Henry Kates

1939 - 2016

KATES, HENRY EUGENE "HANK" Born in Denver, Colorado on February 18, 1939, Henry (Hank) Kates was a significant leader in the global business community, and a warm and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was appreciated for his significant philanthropic contributions, real estate development and ability to help businesses grow. Henry Kates enjoyed a successful career in insurance and finance. His journey began as a graduate from The University of Colorado and served in the Air Force Reserves. Shortly after, he went on to become one of the most successful young stars at Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company. As a result, he was offered the assignment of building the Broker-Dealer operation at Mutual Benefit located in Providence, Rhode Island. Hank moved his wife, Lynn, and their young daughter, Dorianne, to Providence where they had a son, Bradley. Both children, Dori and Brad, learned from their father's ever-present interest and enthusiasm how to take on any challenge and master it. He spent the next several decades building the Rhode Island operation into one of the largest operations at Mutual Benefit. Hank eventually accepted the offer from Mutual Benefit to transfer to Corporate Headquarters in Newark, New Jersey soon thereafter becoming CEO. Hank sat on 13 corporate boards and several not-for-profit boards including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and, later, The Museum of Art and Design. An avid collector and patron of the arts, he amassed the largest privately-owned collection of the Rhode Island artist, Maxwell Mays. He was one of the original investors of the phenomenal musicals Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Aspects of Love and was instrumental in their release on Broadway. Hank loved all sports but squash and tennis were his first loves. He organized a national squash tournament and enjoyed playing squash as often as possible. His work on the Board of Carnegie Hall led to his meeting his current wife, Pamela Newman Kates. Hank enjoyed being the devoted step-father to Romy Newman Cosmaciuc and Theodore Ross Newman. Hank lovingly transformed downtown Providence, Rhode Island by significantly improving, restoring and preserving many historic buildings. He developed and launched Fisher Island near Miami, Florida into the nearly 4 billion dollar community it is today. Real estate evolution, urban planning and infrastructure were his passions. Always one to be purposefully engaged, Hank enjoyed active and purposeful "retirement" years. He created and managed several four star mobil restaurants in Providence, Newport and Miami. Always on the lookout for new talent in the business world, Hank founded and became the President of the Cherrystone Angel Group in Rhode Island. Hank was a passionate "dog person" and canine spoiler and cared over the years for so many pets, but his closest companion was Chairman Mao, who misses his master dearly. Hank's passion for living fully, his quick wit, insane intellect and great storytelling ability will always be treasured by his family. He will be missed by Pamela Newman Kates, Dorianne and Ron DeFeo, Brad and Shannon Kates, Romy Newman Cosmaciuc and Theodore Ross Newman. His six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Britt, Addie, Georgianne, Claiborne, Hunter, Clyde, Zachary and Gabrielle will remember their "Gampy" as a person who made sure their days were filled with inspiration, joy and plenty of laughs and wonderful Charlie Pick stories. Hank's family wishes the most heartfelt thanks to the following caregivers for their endless support, love and care: Ria, Iris, Nicki, Edith, Jen, Karin, Margaret, Barbara, Lisa, Linda, Carisa, Nikki, Brave Yinka, and Nancy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hank's memory to: Amedisys Foundation, 1 Catamore Boulevard, East Providence, RI 02914; Boys and Girls Club of Providence, Chad Brown Street, Providence, RI 02908;Carnegie Hall, Seventh Avenue/57th Street, New York, New York. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 24th at 11:00 a.m. at the Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, Providence, RI 02903 The Funeral Service is scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10028 (212) 288-3500 at 11:30 am. The Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 517 East 233rd Street, Bronx, NY 10470. Friends and family will gather from 5:00-8:00 pm at the home of Mrs. Pamela J. Newman Kates, 870 United Nations Plaza, #33C (49th Street between First Avenue and The East River) New York, NY 10017 (212) 980-3435.