Joseph F. Nates, M.D. passed away on September 17, 2018 at the age of 96.
Husband of the late Dorothy (Kalinay) Nates, formerly of Nanticoke, PA.
Born in Boston, MA, Dr. Nates was a graduate of Boston Latin High School, Boston College, and Tufts College of Medicine. After earning his medical degree, he trained in general surgery and urology, and became board certified in urology. In 1953, he began a private medical practice in the City of Taunton and became the first urologist to serve the city and surrounding communities. He loved practicing medicine and caring for the many patients he treated over his lifetime.
Dr. Nates was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners, a Member of the American Urological Association, a Member of the American Association of Clinical Urologists, and a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
He was a longtime member of the medical staffs of Morton Hospital and the former St. Luke’s Hospital in Middleboro, and also served as a Chief of the Medical Staff for Morton Hospital. At the time of his death, he was an active member of the City of Taunton Board of Health whose tenure spanned 50 years. In 2014, he was recognized by the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Bristol North District Medical Society as Community Clinician of the Year.
Dr. Nates proudly served five years in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War. During the latter, he served as a first lieutenant and physician stationed at the Osaka Army Hospital in Japan where he was placed in charge of the urology service. While stationed in Japan, he met his wife, a first lieutenant in the United States Army Nurse Corp.
Well known for his many interests and hobbies, he enjoyed golfing with his friends at Parker Golf Course, playing cards with his poker buddies, conversing with his ham radio friends, gardening, woodworking and cooking. His greatest pleasures in life were spending time with his family, friends and his beloved German shepherd dogs. He was an ardent fan of the Boston College Eagles football team.
He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Taunton and awarded the diocesan Marian Medal for service to his parish. He served on many business, community and civic boards throughout his career.
He is survived by his four children: Michele Giguere and her husband, Robert; Lisa Nates; Mary Nates-Souza and her husband, Jeffrey; Joseph Nates and his companion, Nancy McClure; four grandchildren: Christina Furtado and her husband, Kenneth; Joshua Giguere and his wife, Iwona; Jeffrey Souza and his fiancé, Kaitlyn Robinson; Monica Souza; and five great grandchildren: Kathryn Furtado, Robert Furtado, Alyssa Furtado, Henri Giguere and Tomas Giguere. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Nates and Matilda Nates; sisters-in-law, Henrietta Kreiser and Anna Manna; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are omitted at the request of the decedent. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Taunton on Friday September 21st at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Taunton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.