Longtime Hampton Roads resident Joseph R. Gately passed away April 24, 2023 surrounded by family. Devoted husband, father, grandfather, local leader and much more, Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years Eileen Agud Gately; his two children Katie Gately, Joseph David Gately and his wife Maryann; and his grandchildren Ava and Alyssa Gately, Paul and Darren Ragaglia. Joe is preceded in his death by his parents Joseph and Ruth Gately. He is the oldest of seven children including his sisters Jeanne Jennings (William) and Cindy Clemmons (Jeff) and his brothers Kenny Gately (Kim) and Larry Gately (Kelly Pierce). He is preceded in death by siblings Robert and Phyllis. Joe leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Joe graduated from Peninsula Catholic High School in 1969 and went on to start a life of service with a military career in the U.S. Army as an instructor of microwave systems. For more than 54 years, Joe was passionate and dedicated to the communications and technology industry where he was recognized by many as an expert in his field and a valued mentor. Starting with Gately Communications, Joe joined his parents to grow the family business where he served as President then later Chairman of the Board. Most recently, he handled federal sales, engineering, design, and implementation of Naval ship communications systems with Mobile Communications America as Business Development Manager and VA Federal Government Director. A longtime member of Virginia APCO/NENA as well as Knights of Columbus, he lived a life centered on service and teamwork in his every word and action. No where was that more evident than in his longtime support and leadership at Peninsula Catholic High School both as chairman and board member for many years and as Chairman of the Morning View Community board. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and took pride in making his delicious paella that he learned long ago from his father-in-law. Proud dad, he enjoyed coaching his children's youth sports. He met his wife, Eileen, on the best blind date of his life and they went on to enjoy many years of marriage traveling extensively most notably to Florida and spending time with friends. His daughter Katie has deemed his big bear hugs world famous. He welcomed everyone he met, was always available to solve a problem, and made everyone feel like family within one conversation. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hampton. His generosity, kindness, and passion will be missed by all.

The family will receive visitors in the church hall at Peninsula Baptist Church, 2605 Cunningham Dr. in Hampton, on Friday, May 5 from 5-7pm followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church on May 6th at 2 p.m. Family members and friends will gather following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Peninsula Catholic High School, 600 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA or by clicking HERE .

Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.