Donald P. Gates

Townsend - Donald P. Gates, 78, of Amherst, NH, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH. Donald was born on November 6, 1946 in Cambridge, a son of the late James N. and Virginia F. Gates. Donald and his wife Elizabeth Belmore Gates had been married for 45 years. He graduated from Acton High School and received degrees from Wentworth Institute of Technology and continued his education at Northeastern University. Donald served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard from 1966 until his honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant in 1972. Don began his career as a chemical and mechanical engineer at GE in Fitchburg before working at Digital Equipment Corporation as a process engineer fabricating Digital’s circuit board facilities for 22 years. Prior to his retirement he worked for Pratta Corporation of Manchester, NH, Shipley of Marlborough, MA and E.A. Belmore Associates of Amherst. A notable achievement during his career was developing the process, patenting and copyrighting the equipment and programming to help separate copper from solder in circuit board manufacturing facilities around the world. Growing up in the 1950’s, he and his brother David helped their parents build the family lake house on Hickory Hills Lake in Lunenburg, MA. Don enjoyed racing his hydroplane for many years on the lake. Later in life, he enjoyed the lake house with his family and friends with his rebuilt powerboat. Don loved the challenge to fix or build anything. His favorite interests were small engine repairs, especially his love for any John Deere garden tractor. Whenever family or friends would stop by, Don’s favorite quote was “step into my office”, meaning his garage. He and his wife were members of the Souhegan Congregational Church. Don remained dedicated and had a unique relationship with each of his family and friends, whom he loved immensely. He leaves his wife Elizabeth Belmore Gates of Amherst, NH; three sons, Harold Bennett and his wife Jecel of Middleton, NH, James Gates and his wife Dale of Townsend and Peter Gates and his fiancé Whitney Elefsrud of Amherst, NH; two daughters, Mary Gates of Somerville and Jamie Leclerc and her husband Michael of Troy, NH. Don’s grandchildren Gabriel Stevens, Isabella Gates, Charlie Gates, Wyatt Gates, George Gates, and Empress Hanna Paculanang, nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by a grandson, Ryan Neumann and a brother David Gates. Calling hours will be held in the Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend on Monday, June 16 from 4 to 7 PM. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 17 at 11 AM in the funeral home.

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Donald P. Gates

November 6, 1946 - May 25, 2025