Obituary of Christopher B. "Norman" Gates

CANASTOTA . . . Christopher B. "Norman" Gates, 56, of 247 Peterboro Street, Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at his home. He was born on December 15, 1968, in Oneida, the son of the late George, Jr. and Nancy (Stankivitz) Gates. Chris lived in Canastota and Oneida most of his life, attending the Canastota and Oneida schools. He had also lived in Albany and College Station, TX. He was a mechanic all of his life, working at Lou's Village Service in Canastota for many years, and had previously worked for Borek Brothers Automotive in Canastota, for Ronnie Leonard, and various repair shops in New York and Texas. Chris had a natural mechanical ability and loved working on vehicles. He married Lesley A. Schon on June 23, 1993, in Wampsville. Surviving besides his wife, Lesley, are: one daughter, Shannon Gates of Canastota; one sister, Kimberly and James Schoeneck of Verona; his step-father, Edward Burghardt of Bridgeport; two grandchildren, Gregory Truman, and Greyson Truman; nieces and nephews including Alicia McNair, Kayla Avery, BreAnna Avery, and Marissa Avery; as well as great nieces and nephews; and several cousins. Chris was predeceased by a brother, Gregory D. Gates, who died in 1993; and a great nephew, Izzayah Avery, who died in 2024. Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post #169, 398 N. Main Street, Oneida, NY. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota.