Claude G. LaBatt Jr.

Claude G. LaBatt Jr., 86, of Gardner, died peacefully Sunday, April 21, 2024, in his home surrounded by his family after an illness. 

Born in Gardner on December 19, 1937, he was the son of the late Claude Sr. and Thelma (Onstine) LaBatt. He graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1955 and later from Mount Wachusett Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Technology in 1977 and Fitchburg State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1979. Claude was a proud United States Navy Vietnam Veteran serving from 1955 to 1975, retiring as a Cryptologic Senior Chief Petty Officer, and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal with 5 Stars. Upon his retirement and graduation, Claude began his 17-year career as a certified public accountant at Venning & Jacques of Gardner until his retirement in 1996. 

Claude was a parishioner of St. Martin’s Catholic Church of Otter River, volunteering his time as their bookkeeper. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 747 of Gardner, a member of the Fleet Reserve Association of Washington DC, the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association, and a member of the Gardner Chapter of AARP. Claude loved to work around the house, reading, and traveling. His greatest joy was his family treasuring the times spent together. 

The family would like to extend thanks to the incredible care team that assisted Claude with his illness. 

Claude is survived by his three grandchildren, Thomas LaBatt, Craig LaBatt, and Brittany Isabelle-LaBatt; three great-grandchildren, Ava, Ella, and Laura LaBatt; one sister, Flora Berkely and her husband Joseph of Bremerton, WA; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Judith Ann (Richards) LaBatt, who died in 2015; his son, Brian K. LaBatt, who died in 2002; two brothers, Ronald and E. James LaBatt; and one sister, Patricia Milbert. 

Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 29, 2024, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in St. Martin’s Catholic Church, 248 State Road, Templeton, MA. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA. 

Calling Hours will be held Monday, April 29, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 200 Friberg Parkway, #1000, Westborough, MA 01581, or on their website at (www.als.org). Please reference in memory of Claude G. LaBatt Jr.