SOUTHWICK – Robert Eugene Bates, age 91, (1933-2025) loving husband and companion of 45 years to Lorraine (Holder) Bates, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on July 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born in Terryville, CT, the son of the late Elmer H. and Florence L. (DeYoung) Bates; he was a resident of Southwick for the past six years, having previously lived in the Florence area of Northampton.
After honorably serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, Robert attended and graduated from Drury College, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Houston, receiving his PhD in Psychology. Robert was a Clinical Psychologist employed at the Northampton VA Medical Center before retiring in 1991. He was also a Clinical Psychologist at Brightside for Families and Children in Holyoke. Robert was an active member of the Congregational Church, being a moderator of the Mountain Association of Congregational Churches for the hill towns of Western Massachusetts, and most recently an active member of the Southwick Congregational Church. In retirement, Robert worked the 25-acre tree farm that he and his wife called home.
In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by two sons, Gene P. Bates and Sean M. Paper.
Besides his wife Lorraine, Robert is survived by his children, Gary Bates, Cherilyn (Bates) Wood, Preston Law, Kelly (Paper) Monce; grandchildren, David Bates, Jonathan Bates, Chelsea Noelle Garcia (Marshall), Concetta Law, Blake Law, Benjamin Monce, Jacob Monce, Eleanor Monce; great-grandchildren, Gene A. Bates, Jack Bates, John Bates, Dean Bates; and sister, Susan (Bates) Hahn of Norfolk, VA.
A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Southwick Congregational Church, 988 College Highway, Southwick. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield (www.dakinhumane.org). Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick, is entrusted with arrangements. www.forastiere.com
