Herbert E. Batchelder, Sr., 84, of Canterbury, NH, formerly of North Reading, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Born in Winchester, MA on January 26, 1939, he was the son of the late Lester E. Batchelder and Gladys A. (Schrow) Batchelder of North Reading. He was raised in North Reading, attending town schools until he went to Reading High School. He was in the last class of North Reading students to graduate from Reading High (1957). He attended college in Missouri and was drafted into the U.S. Army soon after he returned home in 1963. During part of his 4 years of service, he was stationed at Fort Zuma, Japan, where he was fortunate to play for the Army football and baseball teams.
Soon after discharge he married his wife of 58 years, Susan Bishop of Natick, MA. They made their home in the old Batchelder house on Park Street where they raised their three children.
Herb was a safety engineer for an insurance company for several years, but his life-long dream was to open his own sporting goods business. In 1972 his dream was fulfilled, becoming co-owner of Bucko’s Sporting Goods for 25 years. He catered to his customers, sharpening skates, re lacing baseball gloves, and selling shirts and uniforms for all youth sports in town. He even stocked worms for the fishing lovers. He loved serving his customers and supplying their needs.
Herb was deeply involved in his hometown, sponsoring and supporting various groups. Some of these include the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation, Pop Warner football and his softball team, Bucko’s. He was a member of the Recreation Committee, served 2 terms as a Selectman, and was recognized in “Who’s Who” in 1975 as a distinguished citizen of the state of Massachusetts.
After leaving North Reading, he continued to operate as Bucko’s Team Outfitters, where he sold uniforms and sports apparel, t-shirts and jackets to many businesses and firehouses in the area. Never leaving North Reading in his heart, he commuted to Massachusetts almost daily, delivering completed goods to his customers. Business contacts became friends. Family, friends and sports fulfilled his life.
He is survived by his sons, Herbert E. Batchelder, Jr. and his wife Jackie of Canterbury, NH, Douglas Batchelder and his wife Justine of North Reading, MA, his daughter Jennifer Gilbert and her husband Keith of Norton, MA, 3 grandchildren, Melody Batchelder, Elizabeth Gilbert and Teddy Batchelder. He leaves his nephews Kris O’Donnell and his wife Karen of Florida, and Kevin O’Donnell of Georgia, and his special niece Cheryl Burns-Mullett and her husband Rob of Nashua, NH. He was predeceased by his sisters, June E. O’Donnell and Marcia Burns.
A wake will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home in North Reading, MA on Saturday December 16, 2023 from 1-4 pm. Burial will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
So sorry to hear ..my condolences to the family..a lot of great memories from buckos the store and buckos softball teams.. never will forget. God bless
Dear Herbie and family, please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad♥️
My husband Bob remembers him as a really nice guy who was very good to him growing up in town. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
The entire Batchelder family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest easy, Bucko… after you outfit the angels with new team shirts.
Ours hearts are broken Mrs. Batchelder you and your family our in our hearts and prayers.
Doug & April
we will miss you bucko great times playing softball and buying hockey equipment from you at Buckoos sporting goods
So sorry to hear this news. With sympathy and prayers from the Burk family ❤️
I don’t think there was a nicer, more congenial guy on the planet. Rest in Peace
Herbie
Sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and very thoughtful to me when I needed help. He helped a lot of parents.
Bucko was one of a kind! It was so much fun playing all those years for him. The North Reading league had a lot of good teams back then and was very competitive especially when you made it into the playoffs. He was the best and will be missed by his many friends and family. Our deepest sympathy to Susan, Herbie Jr, Doug and Jenny. Sadley he’s gone now but he will always live in our hearts forever. Love Steve and Dianne
Fond memories of Herbie! Such a nice guy! My sympathies to his family.
Memories of 25 years in No. Reading always include thoughts of Herb. He was an inspiration and early Permanent Member of Citizens Scholarship Fund (Dollars for Scholars)…..and was always ready to contribute. I recall his NR route, PO, Kitty’s, home.
Many were blessed with his encouraging words and humor…a NR treasure.
So so sorry to hear this. Sending lots of love to the whole family. Rip Mr. Batchelder.
Many fond memories. Softball games and the after gatherings. A great neighbor and friend. My condolences to his entire family. Peter & Michele Mawn.
So sorry to hear such a Great Family Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all during this difficult time. The Rubbico Family
Dear Family,
Our hearts go out to you and all. Will keep you in our prayers. Hugs to all. Herb was one of the best. Sue and all, it must be very difficult. We will all miss him. I can see him and Charlie doing crazy things up there!
Will always remember the July 4 (5th) parties that you had in North Reading.
We would be in Canterbury, but Deb is nursing me as I just had a hip replacement.
Love,
Kev and Deb
Doug and family – so sorry for your loss. Your dad was obviously a great and very well respected man. My condolences to you all.
Sean
Herb was a great guy who supported me as a coach and a friend. His relationships with coaches in area was the best. Condolences to his family. Jim Pugh