William “Bill” Coates

SCARBOROUGH – William “Bill” Coates passed away Nov. 5, 2025 in Scarborough after a brief battle with lung cancer. The oldest son of Ernest Coates and Marie (Flaherty) Coates.

Bill took joy in being a husband and stepfather. Bill grew up in Portland and graduated from Deering High School. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed working with the lawns and gardens around his home.

Most of Bill’s career was spent in the food service occupation as head cafeteria manager for both Data General and later EM Solutions of Westbrook. Bill also enjoyed his part time retirement job with other drivers and the staff for RTP: formerly of Portland, and now located in Westbrook.

William was preceded by his father, Ernest and mother, Marie; his brother Richard “Dick” Coates; and stepson, Michael Baizley.

William Coates is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Sharon (Beecher) Coates; stepchildren Robert Baizley, and Nicole Dussault; sister-in-law, Roberta Coates and her children Eric Coates and Erin Coates-Connor; along with other family members; and many step-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be at Hobbs Funeral Home on 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland, between 4 and 6 p.m., Monday Nov. 17. Funeral services followed by graveside services will take place at 10 a.m., Tuesday Nov. 18, at St. John and Paul II Church located at 150 Black Point Rd., Scarborough, along with Life Celebration at the church following the graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.