Richard W. Batstone

Berlin
Richard W. Batstone, known to most simply as Rich, was called Home on December 19, 2025. At 79 years old, he closed his eyes here on earth and opened them to the loving embrace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ-whom he trusted, followed, and served throughout his life.
Rich was the devoted husband of Linda (Potzka) Batstone for 44 wonderful years. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love. He was a proud and deeply loving father to Michelle Natale and her husband Rich of Brockton, MA; Jason Batstone of Brentwood, NH; Geoffrey Batstone and his wife Meghan of Woburn, MA; Mark Batstone and his wife Nikita of Sour Lake, TX; and Amanda Warrens and her husband Nicholas of Chelmsford, MA. Being "Dad" and "Grandpa" were some of Rich's greatest joys. He was also a cherished grandfather to 11 grandchildren, each one held close in his heart. Rich was preceded in death by his son Nathan Batstone, whom he now holds again, and by his brother Keith Batstone.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts on July 30, 1946, Rich was one of two sons of the late Howard and Elizabeth (Gleason) Batstone. He was raised in Leicester, MA. After graduating from Leicester High School, Rich proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Quartermaster aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War. He carried great pride in his service and love for his country.
After returning from his time overseas, Rich began a long and successful career in sales, much of it in wholesale electronics. At the same time, he attended night classes to earn a Business degree from Clark University. Later in life, he joyfully blended his business experience with a lifelong passion for antique tractors-especially Farmalls-by creating his online tractor parts business, Farmall Cub Forever. What began as a passion became a way to help and connect with people locally and across the world, something Rich loved. Never one to sit still, he also pursued and earned his real estate license, excelling through honesty, mutual trust, and a genuine desire to help others find the right place to call home.
Rich found joy in the things that told stories of the past-old farm tractors, steam trains, model railroads, vintage military vehicles, and Model A Fords. He loved the craftsmanship behind them and the communities that surrounded them. He was a longtime member of the Minuteman Model A Ford Club and the Military Vehicle Collectors Club, where friendships grew out of shared interests and stories.
More than anything else, Rich's life was defined by his faith in God and his love for his family. He was a longtime member of Rice Memorial Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and youth ministry leader. He willingly gave up his own vacation time year after year to accompany youth on mission trips-never seeking recognition, only hoping to make a difference. Rich lived what he believed. His faith was evident not just in his words, but in how he treated people, how he served, and how he loved.
Rich was always there. He showed up. He helped. He fixed things-sometimes houses, sometimes problems, sometimes hearts. He worked with his hands and lived with purpose. He was generous with his time, his money, and his talents. He encouraged others to see life as meaningful, hopeful, and worth investing in. His kindness was steady, his guidance wise, and his presence reassuring.
Rich leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue through his family and all those who were blessed to know him. While he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort knowing he is now at peace, reunited with his loved ones, and truly Home in the presence of God.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 28, from 4pm to 7pm, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Richard's funeral will take place at 10am on Monday, December 29, at Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln Street, Northborough. Burial with military honors will follow in North Cemetery, 235 Highland Street, Berlin.
The Batstone family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be directed to Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln Street, Northborough, MA 01532. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.