Gately Community Connections

For Our Community of Caregivers

July 2014

The Oldest Family- Owned Business in Melrose Celebrates 125 Years of Service to the Community!

The Key to the City of Melrose presented to John Gately.

A photo of John Henry Gately, founder of Gately Funeral Home wearing the top hat displayed here.

Welcome to an Old-Fashioned Sunday Afternoon in the Park!

Thank you to our middle school student volunteers!

What a magnificent way to celebrate 125 years!

Thank you to all who helped us mark the Gately Funeral Home Anniversary -- 125 years of service to Melrose and the surrounding communities!

We turned the calendar back to 1889 at Ell Pond Park on a perfect Spring day in June to enjoy family fun and a leisurely afternoon, listening to the Wolverines Band play music from the era of our ancestors.

The Wolverines Band was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Middle school student volunteers, under the direction of Melissa Ripley, staffed the popcorn machine, Richie's Slush, and cotton candy making machine to treat attendees to what were and are still favorite snacks on fun afternoons in the park.

Yum! Popcorn and Cotton Candy; what could be better?

Those who came (more than 400 people!) spanned at least four genera- tions with families and children having a wonderful time running through the park and flying the Jetfire Gliders that were handed out to everyone!

Tyler Fabiano enjoys his new Jetfire Glider!

Paul Brodeur, MA State Representative of the 32nd Middlesex District, was on hand to read a citation commemorating the event and to present John Gately with the Key to the City of Melrose on behalf of Mayor Robert Dolan.

State Rep. Paul Brodeur presents Citation and Key to the City to John Gately and John, Jr.

Callie Ricevuto and her Mom Pam.

Alana Ray and her Mom Jennifer.

Tucker Gately, a comforting friend when needed.

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A Bit of History ...

John Henry Gately started Gately Funeral Home in 1889 on Wyoming Avenue in Melrose. His son, John Winfield Gately took over the family business after the death of his father. John W. Gately ran the business until his untimely death in 1943. His wife Mary J. Foley took over the funeral home and was involved with running the business until she suffered a stroke at the age of 90. She was one of the first women to own her own business in the early1940s and 1950s. She purchased the corner lot at West Foster and Myrtle Streets and campaigned to have that block rezoned for business. In 1950 the funeral home was moved to its present location at 79 West Foster Street.

John Henry Gately, the third generation of Gately Funeral Home, received his funeral director's license in 1949 after serving in the Navy during WWII. Joining his mother Mary J., together they ran the business for 31 years. John H. Gately married Elinor Thompson Gately and they had five children: Patricia, Cynthia, Pamela, Lynda, and John Winfield. In 1980, John H. Gatey died suddently at the young age of 51. Elinor joined her mother-in-law, Mary J. Gately and her son, John W. Gately in the family business after obtaining her funeral director's license in 1982. In 1994, she and John W. renovated and added on to the funeral home. Elinor passed away in 1999 at the age of 69.

John W. Gately, the fourth generation of Gately funeral directors, is married to Lorraine McCarthy Gately and they have two children: Melissa and John H. Gately, who continues the family legacy as the fifth generation funeral director.

John Gately said, "It has been our privilege to serve the people of Melrose and surrounding communities through the generations for more than a century. It is actually very humbling when I think of my ancestors who proudly built and expanded Gately Funeral Home. John Jr and I pledge to continue their tradition of community service. Thank you all for your congratulatory cards and well wishes on this momentous occasion!"

Since 1889 the firm of Gately Funeral Home has been dedicated to providing the people of Melrose and surrounding communities funeral services unsurpassed in quality and caring. We thank you for your continuing support. It is our honor to assist your families in times of need.
Let the healing begin with us.

Contact Info
For more information about the articles in this issue of Gately Community Connections or to contribute to a future issue, contact John Gately at info@gatelyfh.com. Gately Funeral Home is located at 79 West Foster Street, Melrose MA 02176.