John R. "Yippie" Coates, 84, of Baldwinsville, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at the Veterans Medical Center, Syracuse. He was a native of Baldwinsville and attended Baldwinsville Academy before joining the military. He was an Army veteran of WWII and was an avid baseball and basketball player for many years. He spent several years working for the DL&W Railroad, owned and operated a pool hall and managed the Riverside Grill in Baldwinsville for several years.

Survivors: his wife of 60 years, the former Dolores M. Fonda; his son Shawn M. Coates of Syracuse; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 10:00am Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Falardeau Funeral Home, Baldwinsville. Burial, Riverview Cemetery, Baldwinsville. Calling hours are 4-7pm Friday, October 9, 2009 at the funeral home, 93 Downer St.