Obituary for Thomas James Batcho
Thomas James Batcho, 72 of Point Pleasant Boro, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Brick Hospital.
Born in Somerville to the late Nicholas and Eugenia Batcho. He was raised in both Somerville and Lavallette before moving to Point Pleasant with his wife Deborah 37 years ago. As a Point Pleasant resident, he was a Communicant of St. Peter’s Church in Point Pleasant Beach.
He received his undergraduate degree from Boston University. There he marched against the Vietnam war and was a leading member in Students for Democratic Society at Boston University. Thomas was the truest definition of a social justice warrior.
Thomas received his Master’s Degree from the University of London and received his teaching certification from Monmouth University. As the story is told, he asked his professor where the closest school was; the professor pointed towards Long Branch High School. Thomas walked over to the board office to introduce himself and proceeded to teach there for 37 years. He also proudly served as union representative of the Long Branch Public School Teachers Union.
He was an avid fisherman who chased the tides and striped bass. He was a master gardener and converted his entire backyard into an impressive vegetable and flower garden. He grew the biggest, juiciest tomatoes you ever had. Thomas could whip up an elaborate 5 course meal and make it look effortless. He loved his collections: pocket knives, antique letter openers, Japanese woodblock prints, hand carved duck decoys, postcards, Persian rugs and art. He shared his many passions with others and was a great conversationalist. He was a true tinkerer, a fixer, a builder, and loved his garage. Thomas was a devoted family man and dedicated father.
Surviving are his beloved wife Deborah Brady Batcho, and his devoted daughter Quinn Batcho and future son in law Dennis Diggins of Belmar.
Visitation will be on Friday February 26, 2021 from 6-9 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall. Family and friends are invited to meet directly at Church for A Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Peter’s Church, 406 Forman Ave., Point Pleasant Beach followed by the burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Long Branch Alternative Academy in memory of Thomas Batcho. Donations can be sent via check to the family or directly to the school district. Please write Thomas Batcho on the subject line. Good Tom Batcho stories can be shared with the family at tombatchostories@gmail.com.
O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall is handling the funeral arrangements. To offer condolences to the Batcho family please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.
**Due to Covid-19 restrictions there are capacity limitations and face masks and social distancing are mandatory.
Born in Somerville to the late Nicholas and Eugenia Batcho. He was raised in both Somerville and Lavallette before moving to Point Pleasant with his wife Deborah 37 years ago. As a Point Pleasant resident, he was a Communicant of St. Peter’s Church in Point Pleasant Beach.
He received his undergraduate degree from Boston University. There he marched against the Vietnam war and was a leading member in Students for Democratic Society at Boston University. Thomas was the truest definition of a social justice warrior.
Thomas received his Master’s Degree from the University of London and received his teaching certification from Monmouth University. As the story is told, he asked his professor where the closest school was; the professor pointed towards Long Branch High School. Thomas walked over to the board office to introduce himself and proceeded to teach there for 37 years. He also proudly served as union representative of the Long Branch Public School Teachers Union.
He was an avid fisherman who chased the tides and striped bass. He was a master gardener and converted his entire backyard into an impressive vegetable and flower garden. He grew the biggest, juiciest tomatoes you ever had. Thomas could whip up an elaborate 5 course meal and make it look effortless. He loved his collections: pocket knives, antique letter openers, Japanese woodblock prints, hand carved duck decoys, postcards, Persian rugs and art. He shared his many passions with others and was a great conversationalist. He was a true tinkerer, a fixer, a builder, and loved his garage. Thomas was a devoted family man and dedicated father.
Surviving are his beloved wife Deborah Brady Batcho, and his devoted daughter Quinn Batcho and future son in law Dennis Diggins of Belmar.
Visitation will be on Friday February 26, 2021 from 6-9 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall. Family and friends are invited to meet directly at Church for A Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Peter’s Church, 406 Forman Ave., Point Pleasant Beach followed by the burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Long Branch Alternative Academy in memory of Thomas Batcho. Donations can be sent via check to the family or directly to the school district. Please write Thomas Batcho on the subject line. Good Tom Batcho stories can be shared with the family at tombatchostories@gmail.com.
O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall is handling the funeral arrangements. To offer condolences to the Batcho family please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.
**Due to Covid-19 restrictions there are capacity limitations and face masks and social distancing are mandatory.