July 17, 2019

A Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Francis F. “Spike” Bateman, age 91, of Ogdensburg, was held on Saturday, July 6, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, with Rev. Joseph Morgan officiating.

Deacon Bateman passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Deacon Bateman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his children, Steven Bateman and his wife, Kathryn, of Lisbon, Pamela Louise Lepcio and her husband, Paul, of Sherburne, Kathleen Ann O’Neill and her husband, Dennis of Glastonbury, Connecticut, Barbara Richardson and her husband, Dale, of Ogdensburg, Janice Lincoln and her husband, Jerry, of Ogdensburg, Scott Michael Bateman and his wife, Patricia of Niskayuna, Kevin Bateman and his wife, Pamela, of Ogdensburg, Frank Bateman and his wife, Sharon, of Waddington, Matthew Bateman and his fiancé, Krissie Austin, of Clifton Park, and Mark Bateman of Troy; 15 grandchildren, Nathan, Nicole, Jacob, Krystian, Ashlee, Arika, Lisa, Joseph, Jillian, Stephanie, Justin, Emily, Francis, Kathleen and Michael; 13 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Francis and Elsie Bateman; a sister, Patricia Russell; and his first wife, Barbara Bateman.

Spike was born on February 8, 1928, in Ogdensburg, the son of Francis B. and Elsie (Baker) Bateman. He graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1945 and the Bently School of Accounting and Finance in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1947. Spike entered the United States Navy in 1950, serving during the Korean Conflict aboard the U.S.S. Washburn. He was later honorably discharged in 1952 with the Korean Service Medal and enlisted in the Navy Reserves, where he served until the age of 60.

Spike married Elizabeth “Betty” Mathews on July 24, 1965, at Notre Dame Church, with Monsignor A.D. Charbonneau officiating. Spike was first employed by George Hall Company and then served as the Controller at Hobart & William Smith College in Geneva. Spike then went on to work for Ogdensburg Trust Company as a Trust Officer in 1968 late retiring after twenty years of service.

Deacon Bateman was ordained on October 4, 2003 at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Costello and served the Catholic Community for 15 years as a Deacon in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. He helped many families through his capacity in the diocese and his role through the bank.

Deacon Bateman was a member of the Ogdensburg City Council, Ogdensburg Rotary Club, American Legion, VFW Post 2936, Our Lady’s Outreach Ministry and a director for Showtime for the Knights of Columbus. He also served on the Ogdensburg Free Academy School Board, Claxton Hepburn Medical Center Foundation Board, St. Josephs Home Board and the Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Board.

He enjoyed golfing, reading, crossword puzzles, jellybeans, and gardening.

Donations may be made in Deacon Bateman’s memory to Our Lady’s Outreach Ministries, 214 Morris St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.