David Bates in Ocean Grove. Retired New York actor. By Paul Goldfinger. Now departed since 2018.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor, Blogfinger.net.
We knew David Bates of Ocean Grove. He was often seen riding his bike around town, and he also had a residence in Greenwich Village. He did not have a car.
One time he pedaled by our house and he stopped to chat. It was the summer of 2012. I took his picture and posted it on Blogfinger. Recently. (2018) he biked by my house again, waving as he went.
In recent days I noticed quite a few “hits”on that 2012 post, especially yesterday and today, totaling over 100 visits. A Google search revealed nothing, but a comment today indicates that he has passed.
We do not do obits on Blogfinger, but re-posted portrait falls under the “by popular demand” category. Read the comments.
THE FANTASTICKS ran for years at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, New York City. Here is “Try to Remember” by Jerry Orbach.
Missing Dave today. Just no words.
I met David here in Greenwich Village in 1963. We spoke on the phone several times a week for–what is it now–55 years! I am bereft!
David was my Greenwich Village neighbor for years. We used to sit on deteriorating piers on the Hudson River and discuss just about everything.
When I came to Ocean Grove in 1999 to help care for my mother, he came riding down the street with a bouquet of flowers for her the very first day she was in the new house.
He had a nice career onstage, in films and in some memorable commercials. Kind and considerate, he was a good actor and an even better friend. He had one great love whom he lost to illness years ago. David had his days. He had his days.
In December walking on the beach, brisk wintery day, in the distance a tall fella strolling in the sand by the water coming my way, he didn’t pass without stopping me and starting a conversation that lasted into New Years Eve and onward 20 yrs later. What a wonderful companion he became, a light for this dark world which we will miss so very much.
David ,thanks for all the beautiful memories of our midnight movies and your deep loyalty to everything.
“May flocks of angels sing thee to thy rest, Sweet Prince..”
Till we meet again sweet David. ♥️
My wife and I met David, at his home, ‘Camp David’, in 2000. At the time, he was tending a lovely cat, he named, ‘Mum’, and her newborn litter of four kittens. David, and his cat, ‘Smudge’, were perfect hosts and we chose one of the kittens (we named ‘Buddy’) to adopt.
We have corresponded over the years, exchanging photos of ‘Buddy’, and ‘Mum’.
David is one of a kind and is a pleasure to know.
David (Gove!)! Great to see you on the bike. Dick would have loved that photo.
Loved chatting with Dave at the block party and those stuffed shells are to die for!
………MORE STUFFED SHELLS MOM….PLEASE !!! love, david
David is a fascinating person to chat with. It is such an inspiration to meet people who are so vibrant and creative throughout their entire life span! David attends the Clark Ave. Block Party every year and we are thrilled to be in his company!!! He also loves my stuffed shells!!!!!
David is one of a kind!
Love Dave, he is quite the character……multi-talented individual