Obituary: Robert I. Coates, 91, of Lordship

STRATFORD, CT — Robert I. Coates, 91, formerly of 400 Prospect Drive of Lordship, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Lucas) Coates, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016 in Golden Hill Rehab Pavilion, Milford. Mr. Coates was born November 12, 1924 in Bridgeport, son of the late Henry and Helen (Norton) Coates and had been a Lordship resident for over 60 years.

Robert was a United States Coast Guard Veteran of World War II and was retired from the printing industry and Sikorsky Aircraft. In his younger days, he played semi-pro football for the Stratford Rockets and was a member of the Stratford Old-Timer's Association. He especially loved spending time with his family and walking along the Lordship Seawall.

He was a diehard New York Giants fan and always looked forward to the first picnic of the summer. He was very proud of his grandchildren. Tim and Brad were his baseball stars, Rebecca his Librarian and Rob was his Marine. His number one love was Betty since the age of 14. His last few years were spent at Golden Hill in Milford, CT where he could count on his daughter, Debbie daily whether it was for chocolate, a Pepsi or loving visits for the last six years. He was respected by the nursing home staff and they always treated him kindly and appreciated his humor.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his son-in-law Kenneth Batoh.

Survivors include his two children, Robert Coates and his wife Peggy of East Haven and Debbie Batoh of Stratford; four grandchildren, Timothy Batoh and his wife Katie of Stratford, Brad Batoh and his wife Tina of Trumbull, Robert G. Coates, Jr and his wife Jacqueline of Illinois and Rebecca Coates of Hamden; three great-grandchildren, Dylan Patrick Coates, Moira Louise Coates and Clara Tess Batoh and several nieces and nephews.

To leave online condolences, visit William R. McDonald Funeral Home here.

From William R. McDonald Funeral Home