It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of Howard Benjamin Cates Jr. Howard greeted the Lord on December 11,2025 in Stuart, Florida.

Born April 29, 1937, in Manoa, Pennsylvania, he is predeceased by his mother Edith Crouse Cates, father Howard B Cates, Sr and sister Patricia Cates Bischoff. He is survived by his wife of almost 37 years, June Lambert Cates and sons Howard B Cates III (Lisa), David C. Cates (Lynne) and daughter Tammy Cates Engelman (Michael); as well as stepdaughters Pamela Steele (Harry), Patricia Wanco (Mark), Joanna Seibert, 18 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Howard graduated from Stanton Military School in Virginia and attended The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. He worked with his father managing the family car dealership, Cates Ford, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. From 1987 to 1999 he was part owner of Auto Dealer Management. In retirement he enjoyed playing golf, bowling, fishing, and boating in Ocean City, New Jersey and Stuart, Florida. He could often be found relaxing in his recliner watching the Eagles and Fox News. Howard and June enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, cruises, the beach, and the magical land of Disney. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Stuart.

A celebration of life will be held on January 24, 2026 at the Riverland Club House, 3500 S. Kanner Highway, Stuart Florida, 34994 at 2:00 pm followed by light refreshments.