Thomas S. Gates passed away on April 18, 2008.
Dr. Thomas Scott Gates (born April 29, 1959), a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana and resident of Poquoson, passed away peacefully with his family at his side. He will be missed by friends, co-workers, and especially his family: wife Sally (nee Vail), sons Woodson and Clay, and daughter Elizabeth, in addition to his mother Marjorie Gates, brothers Dr. Stephen Gates and his wife Dr. Rita O'Donnell, Mr. Paul Gates and his wife Esther as well as his sister, Ms. Merrilee Schmidt. Tom's family always came first and the good in him lives on in his children.
Prior to earning his doctorate in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University, Tom worked for Rockwell International in California. His dedicated service to his country and the NASA community over the last 18 years was unfailing. Over the last 14 years Tom received extraordinary care from the doctors, nurses, and staff of Sentara, Mary Immaculate Hospital, and MCV & UVA Medical Centers. Dr. AnneMarie Campolattaro, Dr. Christine Prillaman, Dr. Mark Ellis, Dr. Anna Fidas, and Dr. Charles Hess provided compassionate care that was beyond any expectation.
Visitation was held at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, April 20, from 7 to 9 pm., but will be held other times at the home. A Celebration of Life was conducted at Tabernacle United Methodist Church today, April 21, at 11:00 a.m. by Rev. Dr. Bill Wash. Burial was in private.
- Excerpted from the Daily Press on April 24, 2008.
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