HUDSON FALLS --- John W. "Jack" Gates, 73, of Hudson Falls, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2012 at Glens Falls Hospital.
John "Jack" Gates was born November 25th, 1939 in Flushing's Queens. He was the son of John Gilbert Gates and Anna Fiorello Gates. He was orphaned at an early age, and raised in Diamond Point by his beloved Aunt and Uncle, William and Amelia Gates.
Jack attended Lake George High School, and shortly after, toured Europe. Upon his return to the area, he became a long time employee of the DeSantis family. First working at the local Howard Johnson's, and then working and managing the Red Coach Grill for 30 years. Jack loved the restaurant business and was always a gracious host. Not many in the business were as respected and appreciated as Jack. After it's closing in 1999, he worked a brief stint at Skidmore College, before finally living out his dream of opening his own Restaurant. In 2004, together with his sons, Jack's American Bistro was opened.
Jack was an avid New York Yankees and Giants fan. He loved horse racing, and tried to get to the Saratoga Flats at least once during the season. He loved fine food, good wine, a cigar, and never ran from a good Manhattan or martini.
Anyone who knew Jack knew how he felt about his children. He had four boys, who he loved deeply. They were his motivation in life, and he proved to be the best father a boy could have.
"Not every successful man is a good father, but every good father is a successful man." – R. Duvall
Jack left this world to be with, in his own words, his dearest friend, and mother of his children, Diane Gates. He will be sorely missed.
Survivors include: Four sons, Peter of Queensbury, John and his wife Kelly of South Glens Falls, David of Glens Falls, and Christian of Hudson Falls. His two grandchildren Jeremiah and Rebecca, his brother Donald Peterson of South Carolina and his children Tim, Tammy, Jamie, and Tidy. He is also survived by his two dear cousins, Clifford Gates of Warrensburg and Bill Gates of Arizona, and his dearly loved grand-dog Baxter.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses of Tower 5 ICU: Marilyn, Maggie, Barbara, Melissa, Tabatha, Lisa, Marie and to Dr. Mihindu, and countless others who helped.
A graveside service will take place Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Lake George, with Deacon Bill Bazinet officiating
Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of Jack's life from 2 to 6 p.m. at Jack's American Bistro, 730 Upper Glen St., Queensbury.
Donations, in loving memory of Jack, may be made to High Peaks Hospice, 667 Bay Rd., Suite 1, Queensbury, NY 12804, or to The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12 St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.
Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.