Richard L. Batt

GARDNER - Richard L. Batt, 87, of 215 Bickford Hill Road, died unexpectedly Saturday morning, September 23, 2017 in Baldwinville Nursing Home, Baldwinville.

He was born in Westfield, New Jersey on May 17, 1930, son of the late T. Howard and Helene (Parr) Batt and had lived in Gardner for 61 years.  Dick worked for many years at the former Collier Keyworth Company of Gardner as a chief engineer.  He retired in 1989.  Dick was a graduate of Westfield, New Jersey High School, where he played football and sports and was a member of its Sports Hall of Fame, and Purdue University.

Very involved in the Gardner community, Dick was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where he had sung in its choir for many years.  He was a member and former chairman of its executive board, its diaconate and stewardship committees.  Dick had been a member and past  president of the Gardner Boat Club, Chair City Club, Mononomac Sporting Club and Monadnock Council of Boy Scouts.  He was a former corporator of Heywood Hospital, treasurer of the former Protestant Youth Center, former Vice President of the Board of Directors of Baldwinville Nursing Home and former chairman of Gardner Redevelopment Authority.  Dick had also been chairman of several safety committees of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

Dick  enjoyed playing golf and had been a member of the Wednesday morning golf group at Gardner Municipal Golf Course.  In his earlier years, Dick enjoyed tennis, piloting single engine planes and skiing.

His wife of 60 years, Ruth (Troeber) Batt, died in 2014.  He leaves three children, Gary T. Batt of Alexandria, VA, David R. Batt and Bonnie Batt of Merrimack, New Hampshire and Linda K. Batt and John Santagada of Lawrenceville, GA, as well as five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a sister, Madelaine Grafton and a brother, T. Howard Batt Jr.  Dick's family, faith and friends were most important to him.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 4 to 7 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

Private graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2017 in Green Bower Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 14 High Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the charity of one's choice.

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