Tracy D. Batchelder

Tracy D (“Papa”) Batchelder, Age 73, passed away on February 23, 2020 in Ocala, FL surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Penny A (Rondeau) Batchelder, his son Steve Batchelder and his wife Dede Batchelder of Dunbarton, NH, his daughter, Jennifer Freitas of Ocala FL, his eight grandchildren, Travis Casey, Megan and Jared Levesque, Sara, Joseph and Jaclyn Freitas, and Canyon and Riley Batchelder. Tracy is also survived by his sister, Patrica Sue LeFleur of Hinsdale, NH and a very close cousin, Deborah Gray of Nashua, NH. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Tracy was preceded in death by his Father, Robert L Batchelder, his Mother, Florence D (Neagle) Batchelder of Pepperell, his sister, Phoebe Hodge of Wilton NH, his brother, Robert L. Batchelder of Manchester and his sister, Sharon L. Bolden of Fruitland Park, FL.

Tracy graduated from North Middlesex Regional High School in 1965. In 2009, Tracy retired from Raytheon Company after 40 years and one week. He was a Defense Engineer.

Soon after retiring, Tracy and Penny moved into a wonderful 55+ community called Oak Run in Ocala FL. They met many new friends and joined numerous clubs. Tracy was President of the Oak Run Shuffleboard Club for several years. He also belonged to the Cribbage Club, Bocce Club, Shooting Club and of course, the New England Club. He and Penny would meet up with friends at the “pool” at 3 pm each day to discuss the meaning of life, what was for “suppah” and what would be the next day trip they would take. Tracy enjoyed working in his backyard and taking care of the various flowers he planted around their home. Penny and Tracy traveled to Aruba each year for over 30 years, and enjoyed traveling to the islands in the Caribbean as well as cruising not only in the Caribbean, but also thru the Panama Canal and Alaska.

Tracy had his share of illness, but the greatest health challenge was his need for a new kidney. His soon to be Daughter-in-law, secretly got tested and found she was a perfect match for Tracy. After 1 1/2 years of dialysis, Tracy received Dede’s precious gift in September 2016, and it provided him with nearly 4 years of freedom to do the things he loved. He always called her his own special “Angel”.

Tracy and his infamous smile will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, and the best “Papa” ever by his grandchildren. He will be profoundly missed by all of his great friends in Oak Run.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Oak Run for family and friends in March. Graveside services will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery in Pepperell MA on June 6, 2020 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tracy’s memory to Legacy House, 9505 SW 110th Street, Ocala, FL 34481