Family and friends of Stanley Coates gathered Jan. 19 to celebrate his 100th birthday. Coates was born in England on Jan. 19, 1919.
As a teenager, he left school and worked on the railroad at the age of 14, as a locomotive. Coates joined the British Army in 1939 and fought in World War II, where he served from 1939 to 1945 as a sergeant. He traveled to Tunisia, Libya, Italy, and Greece, where he was part of the British Army’s North African Campaign.
During this time he met his wife, Gloria, when the Germans left Greece. Coates came to the United States in 1954, and he and Gloria lived in New York City until they moved to Yonkers to raise their five children: Glenda, Trevor, Elaine, John and Steven. Coates worked in construction and in automotive shops to support his family.
His beloved Gloria passed away in 2015. His family now includes 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-greatgranddaughter. Councilman Anthony Merante was on hand for the birthday celebration, with a proclamation from the city.
Happy birthday, Sgt. Stanley Coates! Anyone in Yonkers celebrating their 100th birthday may contact Yonkers Rising at dmurphy@risingmediagroup.com.
