Jon D. Batchelor

On July 10th, 2025, Jon Batchelor peacefully passed away at the age of 87, at his lifelong Haddonfield, NJ home. He left behind a remarkable legacy of compassion, dedication and enduring love for his family and community.

Beloved husband of Mae (née Nelson), devoted father of Judi (Bill) Bayer of Washington Crossing, PA, John N. of Philadelphia, PA, and Janet (Robert) DePersia of Cherry Hill, NJ. Cherished Pop Pop of Brittany, William, and Paige Bayer, and Robert III, Nicholas, Michael, and Natalie DePersia. Jon was also the dear brother of the late James (Kaaren) Batchelor of Marlton, NJ.

Born in Camden, NJ in 1937, Jon’s life was deeply rooted in the community of Haddonfield, where he spent most of his years, apart from the time his Naval career took him to Virginia, Connecticut, and Maryland. From a young age, Jon showed a remarkable spirit and determination, excelling as a three-sport athlete at Haddonfield Memorial High School in football, basketball, and baseball. His athletic talents earned him recruitment to play football for the U.S. Naval Academy in 1955, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career.

Jon was truly a special individual known for his warmth, integrity, and strength. He was the kind of person you don’t come across frequently, someone whose kindness and presence left a lasting mark on everyone he met. His time in the Navy was marked by dedication and honor. Serving one year aboard an aircraft carrier and three years on submarines, he carried himself with a deep sense of duty that touched all who knew him. Later, as a coach at the Naval Academy, he poured his passion into guiding young athletes in football, basketball, and boxing—always leading by example with the discipline and care that defined his own identity.

Returning to Haddonfield, Jon embraced his next calling with the same steadfast devotion. For 35 years, he was a beloved mathematics teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School and Eastern High School, but his influence reached far beyond the classroom walls. For two decades, he shaped lives as a high school football coach, inspiring countless students with patience and wisdom. Yet, the moments that brought him the greatest joy were those spent coaching his grandsons in the Cherry Hill midget football league from 2004 to 2013—times filled with laughter, pride, and the passing down of endless invaluable life lessons along the way.

Jon’s life was shaped by humility, loyalty, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Whether as a teacher, coach, teammate, husband, father, pop pop, or friend, he led with heart and treated every person with respect and compassion. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the quiet example he set and the love he gave freely to all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Jon’s family on July 26th from 2-3:15pm at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 204 Wayne Ave, Haddonfield, NJ 08033; where his funeral service will immediately follow at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jon’s memory to the Haddonfield Memorial High School Athletic Department. Send your donation to Haddonfield Memorial High School 401 Kings Highway East Haddonfield, NJ 08033 ATTN: HMHS Athletics. Reference Jon Batchelor Tribute on your donation.