Craig A. Gates

LOWELL - Craig A. Gates, 65, a resident of Lowell died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved longtime companion of Brenda P. Maille.

He was born in Worcester on January 10, 1952, and was a son of the late Alden H. and Ruth (Brigham) Gates. He was a graduate of Tahanto Regional High School in Boylston and Salem State College.

He was employed as the Executive Director of the Lowell Folk Festival Foundation for the last six years. Prior to that he was employed for twenty-two years as the general manager of the Tsongas Arena in Lowell and as a manager at the Worcester Centrum.

Craig loved music, especially Billy Joel, which according to him, "It's all about soul". He also enjoyed collecting rock and roll memorabilia, going to New England beaches and traveling with Brenda.

In addition to his beloved Brenda, he is survived by his children, Ryan of Boston, Casey, Molly and her fiancé' Nathan Strub, and Kristen Marie Gates, all of Worcester; his brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Carole Gates; and his two nephews, Michael and Matthew Gates of Natick. He was predeceased by his buddy, Bo.