John Gates Jr. Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of John Gates Jr. of Weirton, West Virginia, who passed away on October 1, 2021 at the age of 90. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was predeceased by: his parents, John Gates, Sr. and Anna Tomcanin Gates; his wife Betty Lee Smith Gates; his siblings, Helen Fetterman, Henry Gates and Joseph Gates; and his great grandchild Giada E. Merico.

He is survived by: his children, Timothy J. Gates (Denise) of Fredericksburg, VA and April A. Merico (late Michael Ray Merico) of Weirton, WV; his grandchildren, Andrew Gates, Maria Brown (Dan), Mandy Merico and Michael Merico (Shaelyn); his great grandchildren, Jameson, Levi, Cooper Gates, Daniel, Natalie Brown, Mia Kessler, Michael, Gino and Luca Merico; his siblings, Mike Gates (Donna) of Paris, PA and Nancy Seik (Charlie Brooks) of Georgetown, PA; and his siblings-in-law, Leroy Anderson (late June), Charles "Gene" Smith (late Arlene) and Kay Gates. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Community Bread Basket, 3501 West Street, Weirton, WV 26062.