The family of Alan W. Gates in Storrs, CT is saddened to announce his passing on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Alan was a man who possessed the fighting spirit and marched to the beat of a different drummer who dreamed things that never were and said - why not? Throughout his life, Alan manifested a strong faith and exemplary work ethic. At a young age he delivered the morning papers for seven years, mowed the lawns for all the neighbors and served as an altar-boy at St. James Church in Manchester, CT. His drive to succeed was evident in his quest for higher education. He earned degrees that certified him to teach as well as to employ his academic skills in accounting and taxation. He taught for 35 years at several Connecticut colleges and universities where he gained the reputation as Mr. Innovation in the classroom. He made the difficult skills easy to master and to say the least, students were most appreciative. In view of his teaching excellence, he was awarded several national awards and also was equally recognized for his dedicated work to develop programs for those who wished to be small business owners. Within this context he used his business savvy to build/create a successful management and tax consulting firm in Hartford, CT know as Alexander W. Gates and Company, LLC, which also served clients in New England, New York, California, and Florida. He was Vice President of the African Trade Company of CT and co-sponsored the first Connecticut African Trade Act passed in 1995. Alan was a member of the American Society of University Professors and was well-respected for his work and technical research in the area of taxes and business problems. During his years as an educator and a professor, A.W. received three United States national awards for his innovative teaching methods as well as his work within the State of Connecticut dealing with small business owners. As a young man, A.W. was well-known for his talents as a baseball player and he enjoyed a life-long love of sports, especially the New York Yankees and the Michigan State University football team. He enjoyed motorcycling and was a member of the Connecticut Motorcycle Association for many years. Alan was a connoisseur of the Arts, an avid reader and a national writer for various business and tax-associations throughout the United States. Clients always enjoyed perusing the walls of his office where his great love for photography was reflected. Alan also was quite a fine piano player of jazz and pop music. Not to be overlooked, Alan was known for his intense and caring interest of his family, students, clientele and his generous contributions to many charities, foundations, and especially those individuals who were oppressed, the sick, and countless others who battled adversity. Alan was a parishioner of St. Patrick/St. Anthony Church in Hartford. He is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Gates, a poet of Manchester, CT. He also leaves his brother, Dr. Michael F. Gates of Storrs, CT, his close friend, Sarah Williams of Texas, and his caretaker and associate, Robin Roy of Willington, CT. Alan was predeceased by his parents, Alexander W. and Eleanor F. Gates. Alan will be missed. Alan's passing has created a void in the hearts of family, clients and students who cared deeply for him and hold many fond memories of this caring man. He fought a good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 15th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick/St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St, Hartford, CT 06103. A burial service will follow at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT. There are no calling hours. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, in Manchester, CT is in charge of all arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick/St. Anthony Church in Hartford, CT. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.