Melvin J. Bates

Melvin J. Bates, 82, of Philipsburg, died Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Windy Hill Village, PSL, Philipsburg.

Melvin was born on March 11, 1937, in Niagara Falls, New York, a son of the late John C. and Emilie (Mehls) Bates.

He was a 1956 graduate of Niagara Falls High School.

Melvin was raised and spent the early part of his career in the Niagara Falls area. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and served with the Army National Guard of New York.

He was married on June 15, 1963, in Niagara Falls, to the former Dollie D. Reeves, who survives of Philipsburg.

After he and Dollie moved from the Niagara Falls area, Melvin was employed with a few area businesses including: the former Clearfield Glen-Gery plant for thirteen and a half years and the former Black Moshannon Cannondale plant. Most recently, he drove bus with Fullington Bus Company for seven and a half years until his retirement in 2004.

Melvin was preceded in death by one sister, Adeline Hampton, in addition to his parents.

He is survived by Dollie, his wife of nearly 56 years, and numerous other extended family members. He was especially close with his niece, Bonita L. Aramini and her husband, David; their son, John William Aramini and his wife, Lauren; and their daughter, Emmaline.

He was the last of his generation.

There will be no public visitation or funeral service.

Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery & Resthaven Gardens, North Tonawanda, New York.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg.