PHOENIXVILLE, PA —Carl L. Gaites, a former Phoenixville YMCA director in the late 1960s, moved on to another expression of life and is now with his Savior Jesus Christ receiving his heavenly orientation.
His son, James, said his father is remembered in the Phoenixville area for coordinating the procurement of the YMCA Baker Park area, which has a large outdoor pool.
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Today, James Gaites said there is also a large boulder with a plaque commemorating the foundation of the YMCA, where his father’s name is carved.
“ We hope heaven has enough Diet 7-Ups to last an eternity,” his son said jokingly.
Son of the late James Robert Gaites, Sr., and the late Lulu Lindstrom Gaites of Milltown, NJ, Gaites was also predeceased by his brother, James Robert, Jr. in 1943.
An Eagle Scout with Troop #33, Gaites graduated from New Brunswick Senior High in 1955. He attended Rutgers University and then transferred to George Williams College, Chicago, (now part of Aurora University in Illinois) earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees.
While in college, Gaites developed the first recreation program at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.
At a Valentine’s Day dance in 1958, Gaites met Alice Jean Hughes. Before the night ended, Gaites knew she was the one.
The couple married on June 27, 1959, at Forest Park United Methodist Church and enjoyed nearly 65 years together.
Gaites’ original plan was to become a Boy Scout leader, but a fully paid YMCA scholarship provided by Sears Roebuck changed his goals.
Instead, Gaites began his career at YMCA, leading two branches at the Burlington County YMCA in New Jersey where, under the tutelage of CEO Cliff Ergood, he was successful in developing both operations.
Short Stop in Phoenixville
The next stop was the YMCA in Phoenixville, an independent YMCA near Valley Forge.
During his 3 ½ years at the Phoenixville Y, the Y became one of the strongest in Pennsylvania with the addition of an outdoor center known as ‘Baker Park.”
Next, Gaites relocated to Miami for a short-term assignment before moving to Frederick County, Md, where he was CEO for 14 years.
Gaites also started a father/son Indian Guide program, a chapter of the International Management Club, acquired one of the largest Boy Scout troops in Maryland, started a new YMCA in Loudon County, Virginia, ran two capital campaigns, and added a major addition to a YMCA building.
Gaites later got a position as assistant to the director of the Howard County Department of Citizens Services, where he was helping to oversee several non-profit agencies partially funded by the county.
Gaites then became the CEO of one of those agencies, the Urban Rural Transportation Alliance (URTA) a small para-transit bus service serving seniors and handicapped citizens.
In 1993, the couple relocated to Venice, Fla. to retire.
That did not last long.
Transportation Career
After a short retirement, Gaites launched another career, working as the Transit Division Manager for Manatee County Area Transit.
He started the free Anna Maria Island Trolley Service. He also served on the MPO Citizens Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, the Venice City Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, the Florida Transit Association, and the Bahia Mar Condominium Board.
In addition, he was also a guardian ad litem for the court system, a Son of the American Legion Post 159, the Willis Chapter of YMCA Alumni, and a member of Elks Lodge 1854.
A 32-year Rotarian, Gaites was a member of five different clubs in three states, with perfect attendance for sixteen of those years.
Retirement
Retiring again in 2001, the couple enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and 57 countries, card-playing, golf, and the Englewood Area Macintosh User Group.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; son, James Robert III (Thao Nguyen) Arlington, VA; and Christine Laura (Dr. Gregg Mason) North Port, Fla.
Also surviving are step-grandsons, Dr. Andrew Mason of Rochester, MN; Gregory Mason of Gaithersburg, MD; Minh “Luck” Giang, a student at Rhodes College, Memphis, TN; Hieu “Bin” Giang, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA; and step-granddaughter Margot Lancaster of Coral Springs, Fla
Inurnment is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Christ United Methodist Church, 1475 Center Road, Venice, Fla. Remembrance Service to follow along with family videos.
Those wishing to commemorate Gaites’ passing are asked to contribute to their local YMCA, the SPCA, or a charity of their choice.