John "Jack" Lewis Batt

John Lewis Batt was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 17, 1932 to James and Evelyn Batt. He was the youngest of three siblings and had a brother, Douglas Batt, and sister, Emily Batt Barronian. Jack graduated from Bay Ridge High School and served in the US Navy aboard the destroyer USS Witek. After his discharge, he married the love of his life, Marion Ruth Stark, on November 6, 1955 and together they shared over 55 years of love, memories, and support. They were blessed with two children, Deborah Ann and Dianne.

Jack worked briefly at Altman’s Department Store and then attended the New York City Fire Academy. Upon graduation in December,1959 he joined Engine 283 in Brownsville, NY where he spent the majority of his years as a firefighter. He transferred to Engine 311 in Queens NY, retiring after proudly serving the New York City Fire Department for 21 years. After his service in the FDNY, Jack worked in Security for the A&S Department Store in Massapequa.

Jack and Marion retired to New Bern, North Carolina and built a lovely home in Riverbend. He became an avid golfer and a member of the Riverbend Country Club. He played enthusiastically into his mid-80s (both age and score). His proudest golfing moment was a hole-in-one and the newspaper story about it hung in a place of honor on the wall of their home.

They attended Village Chapel Presbyterian Church in New Bern, NC and discovered the warmth of a faith-based community. He was well-loved by friends and neighbors and could always be counted on to lend a hand or a tool.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Marion in 2010. He is survived by his daughters Deborah Batt of Cocoa, FL and his daughter Dianne Batt Morgan (Charles) of Greenlawn, NY and their two adult children, Brittany Brown (Robert) and Darren, and two great grandchildren (Mason and Rowan Brown).

Jack was a loving grandfather and handcrafted pieces of furniture for Brittany and Darren. Some of his greatest joy during his later years came from any contact, in person, phone, or video call with his great grandchildren, Mason and Rowan. Other cheer came from eating dessert, dining out, and a good cup of coffee.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his memory to the Village Chapel Presbyterian Church in New Bern, NC.