Obituary
Robert Gawn Coates, Sr., 76 of Ocala FL and formerly of East Haven CT, passed away with his family by his side on October 3, 2024.
Bob was born in Stratford, CT on November 30, 1947, to Robert I. Coates and Elizabeth Lucas Coates. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut College and worked several years for the real estate mass appraisal company JM Cleminshaw Co, from Cleveland, Ohio. During those years he met and married Margaret A. Lamothe on June 2, 1979, and just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.
Bob was a Connecticut Certified Municipal Assessor for many years and retired from the Town of North Haven, CT at the age of 55. Over a period of 30 years, he also was employed as a part-time Assessor in Haddam, Sprague and Derby, CT. He enjoyed his occupation and the many colleagues he worked with over the years, especially the New Haven County Assessors. When he wasn’t at work, his favorite thing to do was go golfing as soon as the sun was up and before his family was awake. He always walked the greens for his exercise.
Bob is survived by his wife Margaret Coates, daughter Rebecca of Hamden, CT, son Robert Gawn Jr and his wife Jacqueline of New Bern, North Carolina and his sister Debra Batoh of Stratford, CT. His four beautiful grandchildren Dylan, Moira, Inola and Auriel will always remember grandpa treating them to Dunkin Donuts and giving them money whenever he visited them just like his father did with his children Rebecca and Rob. He is also survived by four brothers and sisters-in-law, ten nieces, 3 nephews and several great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by both his parents Robert and Elizabeth Coates, his in-laws Gerard and Margaret Lamothe, brothers-in-law Gerard Lamothe Jr, Kenneth Batoh, and James Harris, and his two nephews William J. Adams and Brad Batoh.
Bob was always our rock, and he never faltered. He loved life. A good friend and neighbor described him as “a steady kind bright light”. Even during the last two years of his illness he never complained once about his confinement and would go along with whatever his wife asked of him. He was (is) the best and we are thankful for having him in our lives.
The family plans to have a celebration of Bob’s life in Connecticut in the spring of 2025.
As well as the both of you always welcomed us into your home especially in Florida.
Rest now and visit with all our loved ones you now join Uncle Bob you worked very hard for your family.