PORTSMOUTH, RI…Denis Ladd Batcheller of Common Fence Point, Portsmouth, RI passed away suddenly after complications from heart surgery on Saturday August 27, 2016. Denis is survived by his daughters, Colleen Hamilton and her husband Jeff of Portsmouth and Carrie Batcheller of Londonderry, NH. Denis is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Stephanie, Abigail, and Emma of Rhode Island and Luke of New Hampshire. He is also survived by his sister Diantha Lavoie of Dagsboro, Delaware, and longtime companion Marianne White of Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Denis was born on February 7, 1944 in Athens, Ohio. He was the son of the late Dr. Joseph D. and Frances (Norton) Batcheller. Dr. Joseph D. Batcheller was a Theater and Dance Professor at the University of New Hampshire for over 40 years. Frances Norton Batcheller was known as an expert in African Violets. Denis also had Aunts who were members of the famed Folly Cove Designers, a textile artist guild based in Gloucester Massachusetts. Denis was very proud of his family background and enjoyed researching genealogy.
Denis attended the University of New Hampshire and Bryant College, earning an MBA. He was the VP of Operations at Valle’s Steakhouse and Le Biftheque, and also worked for Marriott Corporation and Sodexo Food Management Services.
As an avid sailor and boater, Denis loved the waters of Narragansett Bay and Sakonnet River and was an active member of the Harbor Commission. He successfully took his trawler “Rhumb Line” down the intracoastal Waterways for a six month journey, which was a dream come true for him. Denis also obtained his Captains license, which he achieved with great pride.
Denis had many friends, and he will be most remembered for his (often dry) sense of humor, kindness and generosity. He was a loving and adored father and grandfather, and will be dearly missed.
At Denis’ request there will be no service. The scattering of his cremains at sea will be private.