Thomas “Tom” Bates

Thomas “Tom” Bates, died at his home in East Providence on August 18. He was 74.

Tom was born on June 3, 1943 in Albany, NY, a son to Harold and Benita Bates. He graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Graphic Design in 1967. He was president of his senior class and the RISD Student Council. He loved running events at RISD and brought legends such as Janis Joplin and Thelonious Monk to perform there.

Tom loved color, design, and architecture. He incorporated them into everything from concert promotions when he owned the original Met Café, to helping design and build several other bars and restaurants in the Providence area during the 1970’s and 1980’s, most notably the Hot Club. He also had a love for home construction and restored numerous houses in Providence, Pawtucket, and Warren.

Tom was a dreamer and especially loved helping others achieve their dreams – whether it be a home or business of their own. He was still dreaming about what could be next right until the end.

Tom leaves his daughter and son-in-law, Brittan and Todd Manni of Smithfield, RI; his son and daughter-in-law Eben and Sarah Bates of Rehoboth, MA; his son, Jedediah Bates and Kendra Oliveira of Bristol, RI; his daughter and son-in-law Flora and Toby Anderson of Providence, RI; his daughter Piper Bates of Providence, RI; his daughter and son-in-law Samantha and Jared Melei of Cranston,RI; and six grandchildren – Madison, Isaac, Emerson, Kaeden, Blaise, and Sulo. He is also survived by the mothers of his children Irene Bates and Carol Aijala.

A wake will take place on Wednesday from 4-7 pm p.m. at Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home 230 Waterman St., Providence. A celebration of his life will take place at the Hot Club on Thursday at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hope & Main, 691 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885 – an organization in Warren, RI that helps small businesses get their starts.