John Bernard Batdorf

John Bernard Batdorf, 92, died October 17, 2024, in Frederick, MD.  Known to friends and family as Jack, he was born in Williamstown, PA on April 2, 1932, the son of John Henry Batdorf and Isabelle Walkinshaw Batdorf.

Jack graduated from Williamstown Catholic High School and received his Bachelor of Sciences from Temple University School of Pharmacy. After graduating from Temple, Jack was drafted into the United States Army. He served as a Pharmacist in Okinawa, Japan, before being honorably discharged in 1956.

Jack began his career as a pharmacist at Peoples Drug Stores in Lemoyne, PA, before transferring to their Frederick, MD location. He then co-founded The Arts Pharmacies, establishing three independent pharmacies: Medical Arts Pharmacy on Toll House Avenue, Professional Arts Pharmacy on Market Street in the historic Professional Building, and Prescription Arts Pharmacy in Brunswick. Jack co-owned and operated the pharmacy chain for thirty years, building some of the last independent pharmacies in Frederick before his retirement.

It was in Frederick that Jack met the love of his life on a blind date, Barbara Jean Weaver. Barbara was the daughter of the late Reverend William Merval Weaver, who served as Pastor of the Frederick Presbyterian Church for over 25 years, and Goldie Chandlee Weaver. Barbara and Jack were married for over 64 years before Barbara’s passing in December 2023.

Jack was a member of the Rotary Club of Frederick for over 50 years and served with distinction as its 54th president from 1974 to 1975. He valued the friendships and fellowship he found in the Club and cherished the opportunity it gave him to learn and serve others. Jack was also a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist for over 60 years and served on multiple leadership committees for the Boy Scouts of America.

After retirement, Jack devoted his passion to tending his home and garden in Broadview Acres, where he found peace and joy. In his greenhouse, Jack grew flowers and vegetables year-round, eagerly trying new plants he discovered in catalogs or brought back from his travels. He was also an avid woodworker, spending countless hours in his workshop.

Jack cherished his roles as a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Ann, sons Mark (Holly) and John (Susan), and sister, Lynda Usuka (George). Jack's legacy lives on through his three granddaughters, Kaidyn, Kate, and Addisyn.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John The Evangelist Church, 118 E, Second Street, Frederick, MD 21701, on Friday, November 29th at 10:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Frederick First Century Trust Fund for scholarships at https://www.FrederickCountyGives.org/Batdorf .