Peter Martin Gately, age 78 residing in Ypsilanti Michigan died on February 25th 2026 from natural causes. Peter was born on March 5th, 1947 to Agnes B. and William P. Gately and was raised with siblings Catherine Rizzo, Marcella McKay, Theresa Waldron, William Jr., Philip and Bernard Gately. Peter was a devoted husband to Phyllis Cohen Gately, a caring stepfather to daughters Stefanie Cohen and Gillian Cohen Boyer and former and current sons in law Corey Gearhart, George Hoffmann, David Boyer, Dan Tracy-D'Unger and a doting Grandfather to Shane and Billie Hoffmann, Billie's boyfriend Oliver Walton and Helen and JD Boyer. Peter was a caring husband to first wife Deborah Gately and a loving Father to daughter Sara Gately. Peter played a pivotal role in the lives of many nephews and nieces, and great-nieces and nephews.

Peter was born in Natick, MA at Leonard Morse Hospital and was raised in Natick. Peter often shared warm memories of his childhood dogs Teddy and Spotty. Peter attended Marion High School in Framingham. Peter was part of the first graduating class of UMASS Boston in 1969. Peter earned his Doctorate in Law from Suffolk University and passed the bar in 1975. Peter was a practicing Child Welfare and Family Attorney for fifty years. Peter dedicated his life to reuniting families and fighting for children's rights. Peter worked as an Attorney for the Department of Social Services in Boston, now known as the Department of Children and Families for many years before going into private practice fielding cases in Suffolk, Worcester, Hampshire, Berkshire and Norfolk Counties. In 2019, Peter earned the “Family First Award” from the Middlesex Juvenile Court for his tireless work as an advocate for children and families. Interestingly, Peter handles one of the first cases of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome in Massachusetts, in the early 90’s.

Peter often discussed his role as a litigator being an essential tool of democracy. He would compare his work to America's founding father John Adams, representing British soldiers tried for the Boston Massacre. Peter held true that every person deserves and is owed a just legal defense. For him, the right to a legal defense, regardless of the charge or verdict is what upheld democracy. Peter was a true believer in political and individual autonomy and maintained that what made America extraordinary is the right to dissent.

Peter was a lover of animals, especially dogs and cats. It was rare to see Peter without a pet, in his times away from court. He had a sharp wit, a wicked sense of humor and was an amazingly succinct and impactful storyteller. Peter was a creative individual as a carpenter and avid collector of model trains, World's Fair memorabilia, political antiques and so much more.

Peter was a distinct individual with a unique perspective, big dreams, meaningful ambitions, elevated ideas and elaborate projects. One of his more memorable projects was a Haunted House he designed and operated for ten years, to benefit Franklin's Ecumenical Food Pantry. The price of admission was canned goods and every Halloween the neighborhood had lines of people waiting to experience the spooky spectacle of the "Haunted Carriage House". Eventually, the Haunted House filled every room in the garage and the backyard, it was comprised of several mazes, a moving spaceship, a slide into a grave, a mad scientist a zombie mummy and continually evolved with each passing year. It was truly a community effort and event. Peter was highly adept at gathering people together to achieve a common goal. Peter was sure the neighbors did not approve of all the noise and crowds, but he was amazingly dedicated despite any judgments.

Peter was a lover of classical, folk, soul and rock music, sci-fi movies, history books, nature, adventure and travel. Peter was always on the move with work, trips or inventive endeavors. Peter was hugely charismatic, charming, generous, sarcastic, kind, observant, intelligent and original. He will be greatly missed by all the people whose lives he enriched with his insight and laughter. He was extraordinarily unconventional in all the best ways.

A memorial service will be held in Peter's honor at a later determined date and location. In lieu of flowers, please kindly donate to the Humane Society or the ACLU.

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