It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” Bates. Born Joseph G. Iandoli in Boston, MA, he grew up in the Beachmont section of Revere and graduated from Revere High School. He had many memories of days spent at Revere Beach, and it remained one of his favorite places to be until the end of his life.

After a tour in the Navy, he worked for Coca Cola for years and then became a Malden Firefighter. He had a reputation as one of the best in the department, with an incredible work ethic. He worked part-time for many years for Spadafora’s Florist, making lifelong friends there too. After retiring from the Malden Fire Department, he then worked for the MBTA and Boston Sand and Gravel.

Joe also had a passion for deer hunting and spending time outdoors in the State of Maine.

He is survived by his wife of more than 23 years Rita Johnson-Bates, former wife Alice F. Bates, and his children: Donna Misrati and her husband Abdul of Saugus, Joseph G. Bates Jr. and wife Lori of Malden, Kenneth S. Bates and wife DeeDee of Ipswich, Alicia S. Bates and her partner Ron Walker of Billerica, Erick Johnson and wife Nina of Saugus and Kristin LaCroix and husband Joseph of Rhode Island. He is also survived by many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Thursday March 5th from 9:30am-10:30am followed by a service in the funeral home at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.