George Donald Bate, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in Bedford, New Hampshire, on October 25, 2026. Born on September 29, 1935, in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, George grew up with his parents, Lulu and Thomas Bate, and his older brother, Bob. He and his wife, Patricia (Pat), the love of his life, recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.

George graduated from Fair Lawn High School in 1953 before attending Montclair State Teachers College, where he was active in tennis, fraternity activities, and campus life. He graduated in 1957.

He proudly served in the Army Band stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, as a trombonist, playing for dignitaries and traveling the world. He liked to share that one such trip to Europe on a military transport plane cost him mere pocket change.

George’s life revolved around his family. From the day he met Pat at a dance, his life was changed for the better. Their marriage was a beautiful story, filled with laughter, companionship, faith, trust, and an abundance of love. In their early years together, they shared a love of dancing and even won jitterbug competitions.

Nothing could match the pride and joy George felt in his three daughters, Linda, Sue, and Nancy. George never failed to show up for them and support their endeavors. He documented their lives through countless photographs. Patient, kind, and thorough, he was a role model in every sense. George served as a lifeguard in Fair Lawn and all three of his daughters followed in his footsteps. When asked what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas, his much-loved response was, “I have a wonderful wife and three beautiful girls. What more could I want?”

George loved camping, and it was common for the Bate family to pack their bags as soon as school let out and head off on an extended summer camping trip, visiting national parks along the way. He enjoyed leisurely days at the Jersey Shore and both downhill and water skiing, pastimes he reluctantly gave up at age 85. He also knew where to find the best ice cream and loved sharing it with his grandchildren. He enjoyed marshmallows, toasted or untoasted, and black licorice. How he managed to enjoy all these treats and still remain so fit and strong was a scientific mystery. His meticulously maintained lawn rivaled those at the finest country clubs. Woe to the dandelion that dared to grow in his grass.

A beloved retired teacher in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, George was known to generations of students and colleagues as “Mr. Bate.” He loved engaging his students at Euclid School with hands-on activities that brought lessons to life. He also served as a cross-country coach and track official, encouraging young people to work hard, believe in themselves, and do the right thing. One of the cross-country teams he coached is honored in the Hasbrouck Heights High School Hall of Fame.

George loved his hometown of Fair Lawn and dedicated his energy to making it a better place to live. He volunteered on initiatives that benefited residents, served as a parade marshal, helped organize the fireworks, and worked on committees dedicated to maintaining and beautifying local properties and business districts. As a member of the Fair Lawn Jaycees, he organized a nationally recognized community health fair. Together, George and Patricia were honored by the mayor and city council with a proclamation declaring a “Patricia and George Bate Day.”

For many years, he sang in the men’s choir at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey. George lived his faith by putting its teachings into practice every day. He believed in loving others as God loves us, working hard, and doing the right thing regardless of the circumstances. His strong work ethic, moral guidance, and genuine care for others were hallmarks of his life.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia (Skelly) Bate; his daughters and their husbands, Linda (Ken) Dinndorf, Sue (Mike) Hotchkiss, and Nancy (Laurence) Reszetar; and seven grandchildren: Ryan (Kate) Dinndorf, Kaitlyn Dinndorf, Sierra Dinndorf, Jenna Dinndorf, Cole Diehl, Kellyn Reszetar, and Liam Reszetar. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lulu and Thomas; his brother, Bob; and Bob’s wife, Nancy.

George’s legacy lives on in his family, the students and athletes he inspired, and the community he served. His life reminds us that a life well lived is measured by the love we share, the good we do, and the joy we bring to others.

A Visitation will be held at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, NH on Wednesday, November 4 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM. George will be interred at a private burial in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, honor George by spending time in nature, making memories with a loved one, whistling a happy tune, dancing with confidence and joy, buying someone an ice cream cone, or just making someone’s day a little brighter with an unexpected act of kindness.

To view George’s online tribute, send condolences to his family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net