John S. "Jack" Batts, 70, a lifelong resident of Lawrence, MA, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA.
Born in Lawrence, Jack was a graduate of St. Patrick's Grammar School and Lawrence High School. He then went on to graduate from Merrimack College with his Bachelor of Arts degree. Jack had worked as an educator in the Lawrence School System for 35 years. He was the former President and Treasurer of the Lawrence Teacher's Union, and was also a member and former President of the Bavarian Reading and Progressive Society.
Members of Jack's family include: his wife of 44 years: Helen M. (Bernard) Batts, sons: John S. Batts, Jr. and his companion Brenda Makarewicz of Tewksbury, MA, and Michael Batts and his wife Amy of Boston, MA, a daughter: Kate E. Hill and her husband James of Westfield, NJ, brothers: James L. Batts, III and his wife Jane of Andover, MA, Richard M. Batts and his wife Karen of Hampstead, NH, grandchildren: Bella, Jack, and Fiona Hill, Jake and Brody Batts, Lily and Ryan Batts, in-laws: Fred and Lisa Bernard and Dave and Beverly Nadeau, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jack's family would like to thank the staff at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center for their exceptional care.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at St. Michael's Church, 196 Main St., North Andover, MA. for a Memorial Mass on Monday, May 26, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2014 from 4 to 7 P.M. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence, MA. Memorial contributions may be made in Jack's memory to the M.S.P.C.A., 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA. 01844. To send an online condolence or for more information, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.