Obituary: Peter Thomas Gately, 96, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Peter Thomas Gately of Branford died Saturday September 4, 2021 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, a day after turning 96. He was the husband of the late Carole Ford. Peter was born September 3, 1925 in Fall River, MA, son of the late Peter and Blanche Sansouci Gately. He spent his early years in Holyoke and Lenox, MA.

Peter was a World War II veteran of the U. S. Coast Guard, serving as a sonar operator on convoy duty.

He received his B. S. and M. S. in Education from Boston College. He was a math teacher at Branford High School from 1953 – 1973 after which he went to New Hampshire fulfilling his dream of designing and constructing houses. He built four houses by himself using no power tools. While in New Hampshire he also worked as a logger.

Returning to Branford in 1990, Peter became an avid sailor. He enjoyed refurbishing old sailboats and spent many hours on Long Island Sound. He dedicated much of his time to caring for homeless animals. He was a member of the Branford Compassion Club.

Peter is survived by his stepchildren, Karen Ford Anderson, James Ford (Ranie), Bill Ford, Chris Ford (Reene), John Ford (Jackie), Jody Ford; grandchildren, Emily, Aleksa, Caitlyn, John, Elizabeth and Sarah Anderson, Samantha, Jimmy, Hannah, Luke, Gracie, Alexandra and Rebecca Ford, and great-grandson Ryan. He is also survived by his adoring dog, Annie.

His funeral will leave the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, Thursday morning at 10:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, Branford at 11:00. Calling hours prior to Mass from 9:00 – 10:30 at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Branford Compassion Club, 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT 06471 or to St. John Bosco Parish, 731 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405.