William Fancis Gates

William "Bill" Francis Gates, 89, of Brooklyn, NY, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was living in New Jersey for the past several years. His cause of death was illness related to service as a FDNY firefighter and his work at the WTC site on and after 9/11. Bill was born on November 1,1935, in Manhattan, New York, to Harold and Violet (Flynn) Gates.

An FDNY Fire Captain, he lived by the principle that ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’ Throughout his life, running and racing was one of his passions. As the captain of his H.S. track team in Brooklyn, he broke the New York State half mile record, running a 1:58 on a cinder track, winning by 25 yards. A record that stood for 20 years. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy and his deep love for baseball led to his being named “All Navy Centerfielder” with a batting average over .700, considered extremely exceptional and practically impossible to achieve. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1958 but returned to NYC to join the FDNY at his father’s demand. After joining the FDNY he knew he had found what he wanted to do, he wanted to spend his life as a part of the Fire Department of New York City, and he never looked back. Throughout his 34 years of service with the New York City Fire Department, he answered the question of ‘What are you doing for others?’ daily by responding to over 27,000 alarms protecting and serving the citizens of New York City. In his distinguished career with the FDNY he led with courage, wisdom, and compassion. His fellow firefighters remember him as a mentor, friend, and extraordinary leader who always put others first. His leadership, courage, and commitment to helping others inspired countless firefighters and saved numerous lives. Throughout his career he was highly decorated for his many meritorious acts of heroism and in 1984 became a charter member of the FDNY Honor Legion. His empathy, generosity, compassion, and kindness to others, especially those struggling in the turbulence of life will continue to echo and inspire for generations to come. 

He is survived by his five beloved children, John W. Gates, Shawn E. Gates, William F. Gates Jr., Taryn L. Gates, Erin Gates; siblings, Harold Gates, Robert Gates, and Carolann Gates. He was deeply cherished by his 7 grandchildren, Trevor, Oliver, Erica, Lauren, Liam, Owen, and Sakura. It has been said that “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” William F Gates lived life as a daring adventure in the service of others. He was a hero in the truest sense. For that, he will live on in those he inspired and that knew and loved him.

There will be a visitation for family and friends on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 11:00am - 1:00pm and 3:00pm -5:00pm at the Joseph J. Pula Funeral Home Inc. 23 N. 9th. St. Stroudsburg, PA 18360. Burial will be on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:30am at the Stroudsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, New York, 10475 (718) 379-1900 and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10306 (718) 987-1931 T2T.org

“You only come this way once in life. Make the most of it.” -William F. Gates

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