Obituary of Stanley Kates

Stanley W. Kates, Jr., age 61, of Philadelphia peacefully passed away on July 8, 2009. Beloved husband of Donna (nee Gaghan); loving father of Heather Kates (Chuck Walter), and dearest grandfather of Hailey; also surviving are his mother, Kathleen Kates; his devoted sisters, Kathleen Allen (Robert) and Patricia Simonds (Ron), and his brother, John "Jack" Kates. He is cherished by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many more family and loyal friends. He is predeceased by his father, Stanley W. Kates, Sr., and a son, Stanley W. Kates, III.

Stanley served with honor and distinction with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division in the United States Army during the Vietnam War during which time he received among other awards, the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action against enemy forces, the Purple Heart ribbon for wounds received in action and the Combat Infantry Badge for engagement in active ground combat under hostile fire. The 9th Infantry Division is called "Old Reliable" and this is how we'll always remember him as, "Old Reliable".

Stanley was a successful businessman as a roofing contractor in the Philadelphia area for over 40 years. In striving for excellence, his honesty and dedication to his customers was a testament to his life values.

An avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman he was a longtime member of the National Rifle Association. Stanley enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his vacation home "Rockwood" in the Endless Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania.

Flowers will be accepted or donations in Stan's memory maybe made to the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Fox Chase-Temple Hospital, 7604 Central Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-2442.