January 14, 2013
Gates, Dr. Paul H.
Dr. Paul Henry Gates, a resident of Dedham for 60 years, died Friday, January 11, 2013 at Newbridge on the Charles in Dedham. He was 87. Paul was born August 22, 1925 in Douglas, Massachusetts, a son of the Reverend Dr. Aaron Avery Gates and Eva Edna (Smallman) Gates. He attended college for two and a half years before being drafted into the US Army during World War Two. Paul fought in battles in the Rhineland, Ardennes, and in Central Europe and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He resumed his college studies and graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut with the Class of 1947 and from Tufts Medical School with the Class of 1951. Paul worked as a physician in general practice from 1952 to 1997. From 1977 to 1987 he served as the Medical Director for the Foxboro, Company, and from 1971 until 1997 he served as a Medical Examiner for the First District of Norfolk County. Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara Louise (Zaiser) Gates; his two sons, Paul H. Gates Jr. PHD, and his wife Diane K. Gates, of Boone, North Carolina, and Jonathan D. Gates, MD, and his wife Christine D. Gates, of Walpole; and his two grandchildren, Alexander Avery Gates, and Jillian Reid Gates. He was the brother of the late James Gates, the late Margaret Sigmon, the late Kathleen Regnier, and the late Gwendolyn Colpitts. Private burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Stoughton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service Saturday, February 2nd at 11 AM at the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Friends of the Dedham Public Library (Endicott Branch), Dr. Paul H. Gates Memorial, 43 Church Street, Dedham, MA 02026.
Comments(7)
To the Gates Family,
Dr Gates was our family physician for at least 20+ yrs. He was the greatest. We could always call and no question or ailment was too small. He would always return the call. when I was a small child I remember he came to the house when I was sick. He was there for us when my father died and when we lost my brother David to a car accident. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Condolences from the MacAleese family.
Dr. Gates delivered me in 1957 and was our family physician for many years. As a small child, I was terrified of injections and Dr. Gates was so kind and reassuring. My Mom says that he used to say “this hurts me more that it hurts her!” Dr. Gates was a wonderful man and healer. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to your family. Barbara, I was at your home when I was a child with my mother Jane and my grandmother Florence Frederickson. I was sad to hear of your recent loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Susan (Goulet) Sullivan
I just recently learned that Dr. Gates passed on last year and I was saddened by the news.
Dr. Gates was my doctor when my daughter was born in 1968 and when my twins were born in 1970. His patience and kindness were greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.
The fact that Dr. Gates was held in such high regard for so selflessly helping so many I’m certain will be a comfort to his family. I know that you must have many happy memories as well.
My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Just noticed this obituary and belatedly send my condolences.
I remember well Dr. Gates, filling in for my regular family physician, coming to my home when I was a young child.
I remember a young, handsome doctor, who offered penicillin pills vs. the usual shot in the backside. I was absolutely thrilled… it definitely aided in my overall recovery!