John R. Gateley Jr.

Jazz and Rhythm & Blues enthusiast, father and grandfather
John R. Gateley Jr. passed away peacefully on May 2 at Staten Island University Hospital at the age of 85. He was born in Dallas, TX, the only son of John R. Gateley Sr., a purple heart veteran of World War II, and Florine Gateley, who worked sales at Neiman Marcus throughout her life. After graduating Hyland Park High School, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and completed basic training in Fort Bliss-El Paso, Texas from 1956-1957. A Jazz and Rhythm & Blues enthusiast, he frequented the Dallas night clubs, often witnessing the emergence of future legendary musicians, a trend that he would continue for many years. In 1962 he moved to the Greenwich Village neighborhood of NYC, the epicenter of the arts. It was during that period of the 60s and 70s that he became immersed in a rich social scene, engaging with various musicians, artists and activists. Witty and a raconteur, he was always the life of the party and gave insightful perspective on current events. He formed a loving relationship with his spouse/partner, Anne Hayes, moving to the north shore of Staten Island in the early 80s and raising their only child, Monty Hayes. His natural love of the humanities led to his enrollment at the College of Staten Island, where he studied History, Music theory and Cinema. Throughout the 80s and 90s, he served as an administrative clerk at Hunter College and helped manage the Hunter Symphony Orchestra under his mentor, the late conductor Clayton Westermann. An avid baseball fan, he would spend time playing catch with his son and watching Mets baseball. In the latter years, he loved taking walks through Snug Harbor with his adored grandson, Calvin.
He is survived by son Monty Hayes, daughter-in-law Katherine Hayes, grandson Calvin Hayes, partner Dr. Anne Hayes, sister Sharon Harris, nieces Laura Garcia, Audrey Perry, Elizabeth Harris and their respective children, as well as many friends, many of whom he met every Monday night at the famed '55' Bar in Manhattan. He was loved and will be missed!