Alfred "Fred" Cates

Alfred "Fred" B. Cates, formerly of Chaplin, CT, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 8, 2013 in Georgia. Fred was the son of the late Douglas and Phyllis Cates. Born in Willimantic on January 3rd, 1958, Fred currently resided in Ocala, Florida with his girlfriend Teresa Readnower. Fred was a graduate of Parish Hill High School in Chaplin. Fred worked for 15 years at Pratt and Whitney, and then became a cross-country truck driver. Fred loved to drive and see the country. Fred lived an adventurous life and lived it to the fullest. His passions were the ocean, fishing, boating, camping, scuba diving and riding his Harley Davidson. He leaves behind his brother, Douglas Cates of Chaplin, sisters Mary Hanka of Willimantic, Kerry-Jo Sacchi and husband Frank of Chaplin and Darcy Lamedick and husband Toad, of Hampton and many extended family members. He adored his nieces and nephews and loved spending time with them. He will be greatly missed by Danny Cates and fiancAC. Jocelyn Kelleher, Greg Cates, Abigail and Patrick Morse, Shawn, Ashley and Jonathan Hanka and great nieces, Alana and Gennevieve . Fred loved the times spent with Danny and Greg Cates throughout his life, especially the trips to the Outer Banks and Cape Cod as young boys. Fred also leaves behind many friends that were an important part of his life. He cherished the time he spent with friends and family. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, August 17th between 1:00 and 2:00pm with a Memorial Service at 2:00pm at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southeast Georgia Medical Center, 2415 Parkwood Drive, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.