Obituary of Edward "Eddie" Bates

Schenectady- Edward Bates 08/02/44 - 07/29/14 On July 29th, 2014 Mr. Edward "Eddie" Bates, 69, of Schenectady passed away at Ellis Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Bates faced a lengthy illness with valor and went home to Heaven just a few days shy of his 70th birthday. Edward Bates was born in Albany on August 2, 1944. He was a son of Rhunette Allen and the late Hartel Bates. Edward attended Phillip Livingston Elementary School and was a graduate of Albany High School. After graduating from high school Eddie went on to join the United States Air Force serving his country as an M.P. from 1964 to 1968. During that time Mr. Bates achieve the rank of Sergeant and was a military Air Force sharpshooter. Edward was honorably discharged for his service and upon returning home from the military he met and married the former Kolleen Washington. Together the couple had one son, Adam, who was born one year later. Settling down as a husband and new father, Eddie provided for his family and was a hard worker. He was employed with the General Electric Company (GE) in Schenectady from 1968 to 1998. During this period, Mr. Bates became a welder on generators made by GE. That position led him to becoming a crane operator and finally a die cutter for the turbine engines. Eddie loved sports. He was a rabid Mets fan and could not resist his weekend NASCAR races. He loved to go caravanning with his friends Kathy and Charles McMullen. Many summers were spent traveling to races in his camper and to the mountains of Pennsylvania. In his later years, Mr. Bates made his home in the hamlet of Charleston Four Corners in the Town of Charleston (Montgomery County), NY. He loved the outdoors and the natural surroundings but most of all - the peace and simplicity. Due to ill health, Mr. Bates had to relocate to Schenectady, where he spent last few years of his life. Edward is survived by his devoted son, Adam K. Bates; his mother Ms. Rhunette Allen; his brothers, Gordon Collier and Arthur A. Allen. Also to cherish his memory would be his step children who he loved as his own, Andrea Comer-Broady, Rona McNamara and Korey M. Collins along with several cherished step grandchildren - Khara Collins, Korey M. Collins Jr., Khristian Collins, Kolleen Collins, Kelsey Collins, Shannon Zoller, Willie Springsteen, Khyl Springsteen, Damien Williams, Mallory Williams as well as one niece, Lisa Modest. Besides his father Hartel; Mr. Bates was predeceased by his wife Kolleen Brimberry, his sister Sharon Bates-Modest and his Aunt Touey. Mr. Bates will be lying in repose on Friday evening August 8th, in the Chapel of the Riverview Funeral Home, 218 2nd Ave (corner of 104th St.) in Troy from 4PM until 6PM where funeral services will commence at 6PM that evening with the Rev. Dr. Oscar L. McLaughlin, officiating. Interment with military honors will be the following morning on Saturday August 9th at 11AM in the Charleston Christian Church Cemetery, 1380 E Lykers Rd, Sprakers, NY 12166 (Charleston Four Corners). Please use the Charleston Street Entrance to the cemetery. ***Due to a medical allergy concern the family kindly requests those attending the services to please refrain from using colognes, perfumes and similar strong fragrances. Thank you.*** "My father Edward was beloved by all that had the privilege of meeting him. He was an incredible husband and father. He made sure that his family was safe physically and secure financially. We all are going to miss you madly dad. We will see you in heaven. We love you. - Adam" Calling Hours 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Friday, August 8, 2014 Riverview Funeral Home 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 Funeral Service 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, August 8, 2014 Riverview Funeral Home 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 Interment with Military Honors 11:00 am - 11:30 am Saturday, August 9, 2014 Charleston Christian Church Cemetery 1380 E Lykers Rd Sprakers, New York, United States 12166 Please use the Charleston Street Entrance to the Cemetery FAMILY REQUEST Due to a medical allergy concern the family kindly requests those attending the services to please refrain from using colognes, perfumes and similar strong fragrances. Thank you.