Richard J. Bates Obituary Richard was born in Philadelphia, Pa August 24th, 1951. He graduated from William Tennent High School with the Class of 1969 and went on to serve with honor in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era 1971-1974. Richard worked as a welder and later as a wireman at The Budd Company Red Lion Plant in Northeast Philadelphia. When Budd closed its doors he transitioned into the printing business. Richard loved sports and enjoyed playing baseball, football, golf, and video games with his nephews. He is preceded in death by his Father (Charles), Mother (Florence), Stepfather (Ed), younger sister Linn Sandt He is survived by his brothers Charles (Lynn), Tim Taggart (Marci), Rick Taggart (Geri), sisters Cindy Shreve, and Tina (Tim) Kalnajs, nieces Danielle Mahoney (Rich), Hannah Shreve, Therese Kalnajs, and nephews Dr Charles Bates, Christopher Bates, Nicholas Sandt, John Shreve, Anthony Candelori, and Alex Candelori. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Richards charity, The Wounded Warriors Project. Family members will attend interment at a time and place to be determined as arrangements are completed.