Obituary of Frank Vernon Gates

Frank Vernon Gates of Succasunna, NJ passed away peacefully on Monday, November 14, 2022, at his home of 49 years. He was 77. Frank was born in Long Island, NY to the late Walter Collins Gates and Grace (Wilcox) Gates. He grew up with his two older brothers, Walter and David, and was known in his family as Chipper because of his happy personality. He attended high school in Ossining, New York where he met his wife of 52 years, Mary Dolores (Sellazzo) Gates. They lived briefly in Landing, NJ prior to building a life together in Succasunna starting in 1973. After graduating from Lafayette College and M.I.T., Frank had a long and successful career as a mechanical engineer with Bell Labs and, later, AT&T in Whippany, NJ. His hard work helped develop the cell phone industry and there are several patents in his name. Frank was kind, brilliant, creative, funny, and gentle. He was an amazing gourmet cook and always enjoyed a glass of red wine. Above all, he was devoted to his family. He was a wonderful father to his two daughters, Kim Little (Ronny) and Linsey Allain (Jeff). He spent countless hours bonding, laughing, and doing fun projects with his four grandsons, Milo and Nolan Little and Jacob and Max Allain. Family vacations in Cape Cod were a highlight of every year. Frank lived his life with patience, kindness, and grace. He will be greatly missed. Cremation arrangements are private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Frank's memory.