Richard S. Batchelder, II

Richard Stevens Batchelder II (“Batch”), age 71, passed away after a long illness on December 9, 2025, in Worcester, Massachusetts, his home for many years.

Richard was born on March 3,1954 in Boston before moving with his family to Lexington MA. He was one of 6 children. He attended Lexington public schools where he was active in sports and developed lifelong passions for cars, hockey, and the outdoors. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1972. Richard played hockey both indoors and outdoors and embraced all four seasons in New England, though summer held a special place in his heart. He was an avid sports fan of all four local sports teams, but the Red Sox and Bruins were his true passions (Go, Bobby Orr and Luis Tiant!)

Some of his fondest memories were made at his family’s summer cottage in Nahant, MA, spending time with his parents, friends and siblings. A strong swimmer and surfer, Richard felt most at peace by the ocean. In addition to his love for the ocean, Richard had a love for history which led him to participate in reenactments in Lexington and across the region as member of the Lexington Minutemen, a role he had great pride in.

As a young adult, Richard’s adventurous and independent spirit took him west to California. With a love for motorcycles and cars, he traveled extensively by motorcycle throughout the West Coast, from Death Valley to Alaska. He enjoyed telling stories of his adventures. Eventually he returned to New England where he spent the remainder of his life enjoying time with friends and family, starting his own business and raising his son Benjamin.

After a long career in computer and electronics sales, at age 64 Richard completed his bachelor’s degree in history, reflecting his enduring interests in history and politics. He was known for his “treasures,” his sharp wit, cynical sense of humor, handsome smile and unmistakable laugh -- qualities that will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

Richard was a “friend of Jimmy K” for 29 years, regularly attending NA 12-Step meetings where he would share his experience, strength, and hope with others; he also spread the message of recovery to clients of halfway houses, jails, and detox facilities, wanting everyone to gain the gift of recovery. He will be sorely missed by his friends in the Central Mass NA community.

Richard is survived by his son Benjamin, his sisters Janet, Gale, and Kristin, his niece Madison and his nephew Patrick. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Virginia, and his brothers Scott and Andrew.

A celebration of life will be held in March 2026, near the date of his birthday. Remembrances may be made as charitable contributions to Notre Dame Hospice. Mail a check to Notre Dame Health Care, 555 Plantation St, Worcester MA, 01605, Attn: Development Office for Hospice.