Arthur M. Coates

Arthur M. Coates, of Weston, passed away March 22, 2022 in his home following a brief illness. He was 89.

He was the husband of Diana Selian Coates with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. He had been a resident of Weston for the past 55 years. He was born and raised in Watertown, the son of the late Roland and Mary Coates. He leaves his daughter Suzanne of Foxborough and son Dana of Weston, Connecticut and six grandchildren, William, Caitlin and Kelley Coates and Olivia, Nick, and Andrew Ferraro. He also leaves brother, Roland Coates of New Ipswich, New Hampshire. He was also the brother of the late Donald Coates.

Arthur graduated from the Browne and Nichols School. At the completion of his sophomore year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he was drafted into the United States Army at the time of the Korean conflict. He served two years and was stationed in Mannheim, Germany. He completed his education at Boston University. He began his professional career as an engineer with Sylvania Semiconductor Division then moved on to IBM in New York. Later returning to Massachusetts where he worked as a Principal Engineer for the Polaroid Corporation for thirty years retiring in 1996. His expertise was in solving developmental and production problems in contamination, material analysis and engineering on site and in his lab.

Over the years, he participated in a number of volunteer activities including Cub Scout Master, Vestry, Saint Peter's Church, WPL Military History Group, town committee and volunteered for a number of his children's activities. He was actively involved as a board member of the Eastern Analytical Symposium, a professional organization based in New Jersey. He was also an active participant in the McCrone Research Institute of Chicago's programs as well as the Microscopical Society.

He liked the challenge of exploring new interests and skills; over his lifetime, they included scuba diving, sailing, skiing, ham radio, all of which enriched both his and his family's lifestyle. He was a licensed pilot and thoroughly enjoyed flying his Comanche airplane as well as the comradery of fellow pilots. In addition Arthur was an avid reader who also enjoyed growing a vegetable garden each summer. There was little he could not build or repair in his workshop at home or at the family house in Gloucester.

Family and friends will honor and remember Arthur's life by gathering on Saturday, April 2nd in Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, 320 Boston Post Road, Weston where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. A collation will follow in the parish hall. Burial in Linwood Cemetery is private.