John Neil Batchelder

John Neil Batchelder

John Neil Batchelder, 79, of Fort Ann, N.Y., passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 29th, 2025, while visiting his favorite place, Daytona Beach, Fla. He now resides in a place free of earthly issues and sufferings.

Born to Neil and Verna Batchelder on May 25, 1945, John built a life defined by hard work, deep passions, and devoted love for his family. He shared 60 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Carole and together they raised four children, John, Scott, Terri, and Shellie, welcomed eight grandchildren, and cherished ten great-grandchildren.

A skilled craftsman, John was a union carpenter before working at Finch Pruyn, where he retired after 25 years of dedicated service. Outside of his career, John gave back to his community through active involvement in the Elks Club, the West Fort Ann Volunteer Fire Department, the Fort Ann Rifle Range, the Hudson Falls Fish and Game Club, and the Robin Wood Club in Sabbatis.

John was a passionate outdoorsman whose love for hunting and fishing was matched only by his pride in sharing it with others. From memorable trips with his father to Maine, Canada, and Nova Scotia bringing home deer, moose, and black bear to fishing adventures in Oswego with his sons, he built a legacy of adventure and tradition. His home bore the trophies of his success and the stories of a life well-lived in nature.

A devoted NASCAR fan, John followed Dale Earnhardt Sr. and attended many Daytona 500 races. He and Carole embraced the snowbird lifestyle, spending countless winters in Daytona Beach, where they built lasting friendships and found joy in travel and sunshine.

Above all, John's greatest pride was his family. He was a constant, loving presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, always involved, always supportive, and always proud.

John's love for his family was unwavering, and the memories he helped create will be treasured forever. His family will hold tightly to the warmth of his laugh, the strength of his presence, and the comfort of all the moments spent by his side from porch chats to the joyful chaos of family celebrations.

John's memory will be honored and carried forward by his wife, Carole, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends and family whose lives he touched.

John is predeceased by his father, Neil Batchelder. He is survived by his wife, Carole; his mother, Verna; his sons, John Batchelder (Stacey) and Scott Batchelder (Kelly); daughters, Terri Aubin and Shellie Lunt (Rick).

The family wishes to thank Dr. Vincent Cooper, Dr. Amy Hogan-Moulton, and Dr. Julia Kleene and the staff at DCI for their compassion and care of John.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, May 18th from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fort Ann Volunteer Firehouse on Route 149 in Fort Ann.

Donations can be made to the West Fort Ann Volunteer Fire Co. located at 49 Joe Green Rd., Fort Ann, NY.