Richard Henry Bates

Richard Henry Bates, age 83, a US Marine Corps Veteran, of Manchester and former long-time resident of Chicago, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at his home. 

He was born on September 21, 1943, in Manchester to the late Ferdinand & Delphine (Somers) Bates. 

Richard was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Church where he was an Alter Server from age 8 until he entered high School. He attended Bishop Bradley High School before transferring to Manchester Memorial High School for his senior year graduating in 1962. He excelled at sports and was a member of the track team. After graduation, he entered the US Marine Corps serving stateside during the Vietnam War from 1962 until his Honorable Discharge as E-5 in 1966. 

Upon his discharge from the US Marine Corps, he went to work in the Management Trainee Program at Spiegel Department Store in Chicago, IL. In 1969, he joined the Northern Trust Company in Chicago working his way up to Vice President in their Trading Department until his retirement in 1999. Following his retirement, Richard did volunteer work. 

Richard was known as Dicky by his family and Dick or Bates to his friends. Dick was truly kind and generous never forgetting a birthday, holiday or special occasion. He was particularly fond of his Aunt Lilly and his grandmother, Nanny. Richard was also very philanthropic supporting organizations such as the ASPCA, St. Judes Children’s Hospital, the Maryknoll Fathers, Saint Teresa of Avila Church, the Columbian Fathers Foundation, Saint Labre Indian School and the Franciscan Missionary. 

Richard was very athletic and he enjoyed running. He completed several marathons in Chicago. He also loved his dogs and could often be found rollerblading with them. 

Richard is survived by his two sisters, Beverly Shaw, of Brattleboro, VT, and Cynthia Marquis, of Weare, NH; three nephews, three nieces, and 22 great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Gary P. Bates who passed on January 30, 2026. 

SERVICES – A Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Elm St. Manchester, NH on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00am. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 65 Old Bedford Rd, Bedford, NH. Arrangements in care of the Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street, Manchester, NH. For Online Guestbook, please visit www.LambertFuneralHome.com.