Charles Stuart Bates Sr., 89, of Avalon, NJ, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. He was the beloved husband of Mildred (Dahling) Bates with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.

Born in Bellmawr, NJ, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helen Bates. He was a graduate of Northeast High School, Philadelphia. He served our country in the United States Coast Guard during World War II from 1941-1944.

Charles graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy in May, 1950. He served 27 years as a Philadelphia Police Officer with great pride. He was part of the elite Highway Patrol and eventually worked on the Harbor Patrol. He also performed in the Motorcycle Thrill Shows which benefited the children of fallen police and firefighters. During his career he escorted many Presidents including Robert F. Kennedy. He received numerous awards and accomodations during his career. After his retirement he worked as a truant officer and school bus driver for the Avalon School District. He also worked as a Security Guard at Trump Casino in Atlantic City.

In addition to his beloved wife Mildred, Charles leaves his children: Diane Solley and her husband Donald, Sr. of Philadelphia, Gwendolyn Kraft and her husband Daniel of Camden, DE, Doreen Rondomanski of Avalon, NJ and Charles S. Bates, Jr. and his wife Marie of Egg Harbor Twp, NJ.

He was the grandfather of Donald Solley, Jr and his wife Deborah of Cinnaminson, NJ, Dawn Solley Mantelone of Philadelphia, Danielle Kraft of Pasadena, MD, John Kraft of Gambrills, MD, Michael Rondomanski, Jr of Mt. Ephraim, NJ, Christopher Rondomanski of Riverside, NJ, Christina (Bates) Blankenship and her husband William "Buddy" Blankenship, Jr of Turnersville, NJ and Charles S. Bates III and his wife Katharine (Spiker) Bates of Fredericksburg, VA. He was the great grandfather of Paul Gaskill, Jr, Chelsa and Kristen Deal, Tyler, Dylan, Katie and Gianna Rondomanski, Rayne Rondomanski, Annabella Ryan Blankenship and Avery Faith Bates. He was the great great grandfather of Paul Gaskill, III. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Joseph and Norman Bates and his sister Adele Barnes.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday October 1, 2015 at 10:30 AM followed by his funeral service at 12 Noon at Kirk and Nice Suburban Chapel 333 County Line Rd., Feasterville, PA 19053 (215) 354-0085. Interment with Military Honors in Sunset Memorial Park, Feasterville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Shriners Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 3551 North Broad St., Phila, PA 19140-4131 would be appreciated. Family Service by Kirk and Nice Suburban Chapel.