Christopher Andrew Gates

Christopher Andrew Gates, 60, of Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026 after battling a long illness. He was surrounded by family and friends, listening to his favorite music—a fitting farewell for a man who spent his life bringing people together through service, creativity, and love.

A proud United States Army National Guard veteran, Chris served his country for 24 years, retiring as First Sergeant. His commitment to service continued after retirement as he shared stories with fellow veterans and volunteered with several veteran organizations. He also served the Worcester Rotary Club as Sergeant at Arms and Club President, always finding ways to give back to his community.

Chris had a creative spirit and a wide range of passions, including woodworking, photography, gardening, LEGO and model building, scrapbooking, and gourmet cooking. He loved all New England sports, but the Worcester Red Sox held a special place in his heart. As an usher at Polar Park who also assisted at the batting cages, he loved welcoming people, giving tours, and sharing his enthusiasm for the game. His familiar words, “It’s all about the kids,” captured what mattered most to him. The family is deeply grateful to Polar Park and his boss, George, for arranging a nursing home visit from Smiley and a special trip back to Polar Park after the season ended, allowing Chris to spend precious time with friends at a place he loved.

Music was another lifelong passion. Whether attending concerts, meet-and-greets, and book signings or simply listening at home, Chris loved discovering music and introducing it to others. His remarkable memory for music trivia made every conversation an opportunity to share something new.

Chris’s love of the performing arts began early and continued throughout his life. He worked and volunteered with professional and community theater and dance companies, proudly telling people he had even worked on Broadway. He took on every role a production needed, from acting and stage management to set construction and props, but lighting design was his true passion. The theater brought him lifelong friendships, including his wife, Jacqui. Together, they passed their love of the arts to their daughter, Meghan Rose, and Chris continued working on her productions, taking joy in every opportunity to watch her shine.

Chris was also a devoted Disney enthusiast who treasured the dozens of family vacations spent at Walt Disney World, “The Happiest Place on Earth.” His legendary scrapbooks preserved those family adventures and the memories he held so dear.

Chris had a true gift for turning shared interests into lasting friendships, leaving a legacy of service, creativity, and love.

Christopher is survived by his parents, George and Cecelia Gates, formerly of Holden, Massachusetts; his wife, Jacqueline, of Oxford; his daughter, Meghan Rose, and her husband, Andrew, of North Grosvenordale, Connecticut; his siblings, Andrew of Carlsbad, California; Timothy and his wife, Rachel, of Cumming, Georgia; and Lynn Rios and her husband, Rolando, of Worcester; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Chris was preceded in death by all four of his grandparents and his beloved dog, Bella, who was a constant companion and source of comfort.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Chris’s aunt, Paula, whose loving care brought hope and joy to his final months. They are also deeply grateful to Oakdale Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing as well as Jewish Health Care Hospice for their compassionate care and continued support of the family.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. George’s Catholic Church, 40 Brattle Street, Worcester, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026. A gathering will follow in the church hall for those wishing to share stories and celebrate Chris’s life.

Christopher will be laid to rest with military honors at 3:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts. The cemetery requests that attendees not arrive at the chapel before 2:50 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Open Sky, Project New Hope, the Worcester Rotary Club, or a veterans organization of your choice in Chris’s memory.

Chris will be remembered in the music he shared, the productions he helped bring to life, the memories he preserved, the communities he served, and the many lives he touched. His light will continue to shine through all those who knew and loved him.

TTFN, Christopher.

KYPD.