October 26, 1933 - December 07, 2020
“Tommy”, as he was lovingly known by many, joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 7, 2020. He was born October 26, 1933 in Hastings, Nebraska to Clarence and Mary Graham Gates. Tom’s family which included his twin brother, John Gates, moved to Lodi, CA when they were seven and he continued to reside in the San Joaquin area for the balance of his life. He graduated from Lodi Union High School and then from Sacramento State College whereupon he immediately went to work for New York Life and continued there until his retirement 33 years later. While at New York Life he obtained his Series 7 license and ChFC designation.
Tommy’s love for tennis started in high school and he continued to be an avid player until a few months prior to his passing. He also enjoyed dancing and reconnected with his loving wife of 37 years, Rosalie (Tortorelli), on the dance floor at a high school reunion. They were married a year later. His many other pleasures included socializing and traveling with dear friends and sharing a glass or two of Cabernet. His home in Stockton was the “gathering place” for holidays, birthday celebrations and impromptu parties.
Tommy never had a harsh ord for anyone and when speaking with you he made you feel as though you were the most important person in the room. Tom was a faithful and active member of The Church of the Presentation, a prior President of Quail Village Homeowners Association and served on the board of the Quail Lakes Lakefront Association for many years.
Tom is survived by his wife, Rosalie; his twin brother John (Norma); his two daughters Suzanne (Bill) MacDonald and Kathy (Bill) Pursell; his stepchildren Robert (Nina) Kickhofel, Michele Kickhofel, Kim (Michael) Morrill; and his ten grandchildren Samantha, Robert (Shanley), Krystal, Kenneth, Steven, Ross, Madisen, Spencer, Stephanie and Brant. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
An outdoor mass will be held on Wednesday, December 16th at 10 am at Church of The Presentation, 6715 Leesburg Place, Stockton (bring a chair) and viewing will be held on Thursday, December 17th from 10:30 to 11:30 am at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi. All COVID precautions will be enforced and due to restrictions, the graveside burial/internment is limited to family. There is an online condolence book on the Cherokee Memorial Park website at https://www.cherokeememorial. com/services-obituaries-main. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to local food banks and distribution.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gates family.
