Erwin W. “Batch” Batchelder, Sr., 92, formerly of West Newbury, passed away on July 31, 2014 following a short illness. He was the husband of Dorothy R. (Emery) Batchelder.
Born in Haverhill on May 31, 1922 Mr. Batchelder was the son of the late Lois G. Batchelder.
Erwin was educated in Haverhill, and worked twenty-five years as an electrician at the former Western Electric before retiring. He was a member of the Congregational Church of West Newbury, and was an active participant in his community where he served as an auxiliary police officer and crossing guard at the Central School. Erwin was sensitive to the needs of others, and in a quiet and inconspicuous way offered his assistance to many through the years who considered him Santa Claus. In 1978 he and his wife moved from West Newbury to Melbourne, FL. Erwin and Dorothy had been members of the Pioneers of America, donated time to the Hale Hospital Auxiliary, and continued volunteer work for Holmes Regional Medical Center. He served as a member of the U.S. Army with Headquarters Company, 398th Infantry, before being Honorably Discharged with the rank of PFC. Erwin valued the time with his family, and enjoyed shopping for cars and watching the New England Patriots.
Erwin was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, nephew, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
Besides his wife of 60 years he is survived by his children, Patricia D. Brodie and husband Daniel of Georgetown, Erwin W. Batchelder, Jr. of Amesbury; grandson, Matthew L. Brodie and wife Nicole of Greece, NY, and several cousin. Erwin was preceded in death by his great granddaughter, Madeline C. Brodie.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service on Thursday, August 14th, at 11:00 a.m., at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Calling hours will precede the service from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Bridge Street Cemetery in West Newbury. Donations in Erwin’s name may be made to the Haverhill Gazette Santa Fund, 100 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845.