Donald M. Bates, 79, of North Attleboro passed away on March 30, 2026.

Born in Winchester, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Frank and Virginia (Stratton) Bates.

Donald was the loving husband of Paula (Chapman) Bates for 55 years. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Derek M. Bates, Lauren T. Almeida and her husband, Steven J. Almeida. Granddaughters include; Olivia Kronberg, Asher Bates & Lilliana Almeida along with many loving relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his son, Shaun D. Bates, and his loving sister Patty Cantella.

Don met the love of his life, Paula, while working for Sears. They married just prior to him entering the service in the United States Air Force, where he served proudly until 1971. Don moved to North Attleboro and fell in love with the town, the people and he never left. He quickly became heavily involved in town government, RTM, Board of Health, cub scouts, youth sports with his children and various other civic activities and serving on many boards. Don had a successful career as a project manager and technical Network engineer, obtaining an Associates of Science in business management.

Don lived his life to the fullest, enjoying each moment, he was an adventurous man always wanting to capture the candid moments of life. His most beloved passions were his family and serving his community.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Visitation on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 am in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, 565 Mount Hope St, North Attleboro, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lenore's Pantry via the Hockomock Area YMCA online at https://givebutter.com/Lenores or through the mail (checks made out to Hockomock Area YMCA), c/o Caitlin Gibbs, 300 Elmwood St. North Attleboro MA 02760. In note section you may indicate in Memory of Donald Bates.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the DYER-LAKE FUNERAL HOME, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA. (508) 695-0200.