Richard William Bateman

The son of Leo and Agnes Bateman, Richard grew up living in the center of the New Cathedral Cemetery where his father was the foreman. The second oldest of thirteen children learned the qualities of leadership at an early age. His strong work ethic helped him as he worked his way through Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and upon completion he qualified for and won acceptance into the U.S. Navy's V-5/V-7 programs at Mount Saint Mary's College, Emmitsburg, MD. After two years, he transferred to Yale University for the completion of the program. While attending Yale he auditioned for and was accepted into the Yale Glee Club, singing with the Club throughout his time at Yale. At the age of 21, following graduation from Yale in the NROTC, he satisfied his military obligation with a two year tour of duty in the Caribbean.

He met his wife, Helen Agnes Walsh, though her uncle, Fr. Eugene Walsh, while working a summer job during his college years at the switchboard at Saint Mary's Seminary. They were married in 1948.

After his time with the Navy, Richard sought to further utilize his military background by enlisting in the Army Reserve as a Captain, simultaneously enrolling in their educational programs in his pursuit of a career in Social Work. Although originally called up for the Korean Conflict, Richard was sent to Ft. Dix, N.J. for two years where he continued his efforts toward his career.

Throughout his time in Baltimore, he held executive positions moving through the ranks of such places as: Big Brothers of Baltimore, The Baltimore Anti-Poverty Program, Department of Social Services (Director) and Catholic Charities of Maryland (Director). Richard achieved a Master's Degree in Social Work from Catholic University and then went on to earn a Doctorate in his field from the University of Pennsylvania. During his time working in Baltimore, he spent evenings teaching and counseling nurses at what was then Maryland General Hospital.

After thirty-plus years in Baltimore, he took a position with The Catholic University of America in D.C., where he taught and eventually became the Acting Dean at their School of Social Work. His work there was recognized by the School as he was named "Man of the Year" alongside Susan Sarandon who was named "Woman of the Year".

In what were supposed to be his retirement years, he came back to the Baltimore workplace joining Friends Research Institute (FRI) where, through his research, he helped propel FRI's expansive role in community services.

Having wrestled for his school teams, it was not surprising he was a fitness buff before it was popular. He enjoyed tennis, handball, hiking, walking, gardening and swimming at the Ocean. he also enjoyed a good cigar with his occasional Manhattan.

Upon his official retirement, "Pop" and "Granny" were able to spend numerous hours doting on their grandchildren, all of whom remember them with great fondness and admiration.

He is proceeded in death by his wife of 65 years the former Helen A. Walsh and his son Neil P. Bateman. He is survived by sons: Timothy J. Bateman and his wife Jilda, Michael A. Bateman and his wife Renee, and Brian W. Bateman and his wife Terry. He is also survived by nine siblings, nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 6 from 3-5 & 7-9PM at STERLING-ASHTON-SCHWAB-WITZKE FUNERAL HOME OF CATONSVILLE, INC., 1630 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228.; and on Wednesday, September 7 from 10:30-11AM at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, 711 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11AM. Interment at a later date in Garrison Forest Veteran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Gilchrist Hospice, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.