Robert Foster Bates III

Robert Foster Bates III. (Bob), 63, originally of Newbury Township, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024, in Safety Harbor Florida after a short illness.

Bob was born in Chardon, Ohio to Robert F Jr. and Carole J (Lewis) Bates on January 14, 1961.  He went to Newbury Elementary School until 3rd Grade and for a time attended St Helen’s Catholic School in Newbury, Ohio. He was a member of and performed with the St Helens Unicycle Team. Bob then transferred to Newbury Jr High and High School in Newbury Ohio, where he played on the Newbury Black Knights Football team until he graduated in 1979. During that time, he broke and held for decades several team and conference records. He was a Cleveland Press and Plain Dealer All Star during his football career. 

Bob was fun loving and enjoyed riding his motorcycle, but is passion was sports. If there was a game on, he would watch, especially Browns Football and Cleveland baseball. His dream of living in the sunshine was recently fulfilled when he and his wife Roberta moved to the Tampa Bay area.  

Bob is preceded in death by his Father: Robert F Bates Jr. Sister: Robbin. Grandparents: Robert F Sr and Eleanor D (Stanis) Bates. Ralph and Bernice (Dick) Lewis.  Aunt: Eloise (Bates) Kuhen. Uncle: Thomas Lewis and Cousins: Alan Bates and Thomas Lewis

Bob is survived by his Wife Roberta (Priester) Bates, Mother: Carole J (Lewis) Bates. Children: Robert (Beau) Bates, Hannah Bates. Siblings: Theresa Boughner (Steven), Timothy Bates (Paula), and Rebecca Bates. Uncle: Alan Bates (Joyce). Richard Kuhen. Aunt: Diana (Lewis)Butler (Ronald). Nephews : Steven Boughner (Krista), Brian Boughner (Alexandria), Shawn Boughner (Chelsea), Timothy Bates and Conner Bates Grandchildren: Vincent and Siena as well as many Great Nieces and Nephews. 

Private Family Service will be at St Helen’s Church on Kinsman Rd in Newbury Ohio with Father Jay McPhillips officiating at a later date.  A private family burial will follow at Newbury Center Cemetery Auburn Rd.  Newbury OH.  

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