Robert G. Bates

Yorktown, Va. – Robert G. Bates, 82, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023. Robert was a native of Pennsylvania and a Yorktown resident since 1978.
He was a 1963 graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as well as a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Naval War College. He retired from the Coast Guard in 1987 at the rank of Captain. After volunteering to coach football, wrestling, and track at York High School, he accepted a position with the city of Newport News as the Harbor Master. He retired from the city in 2008.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Lois Bates and their 4 sons: Bob and his wife Pam, Mike and his wife Kimberly, Richard and his wife Barbie, and Jimmy and his wife Nicole. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Jordan, Christopher, Branson, Stephen, Tyler, Aaron, Jackson, Connor and Cayden.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church followed by a reception. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. He was active in his church and the family requests denotations be made to the St Joan of Arc Building Fund, 315 Harris Grove Lane, Yorktown, VA 23692-4014 in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.