Michael A. Batts
June 11, 1961 ~ November 19, 2022
Born in:
New Haven, CT
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Michael Allen Batts was born June 11, 1961 in New Haven, CT to our loving mother, Mary Green, and Richard Batts. We lived in New Haven briefly and moved to Hamden when Michael entered 5th grade. Little did he know he would meet his lifelong friends there. Michael taught himself to play the bass guitar in middle school; and attended the New Haven School of Music. Along with David, Paul, Parker, Kent, Raymond, Brian, and others they formed the band “The Bleechers.” This was their practice location each Saturday behind the dugout at Rochford Field, encompassed with pine trees that withstood the P-Funk influenced music, members with instruments. We will never forget the spaceship, platform shoes and diapers worn at their shows!
After High School, Michael had no interest in college. He knew he was meant to be a musician! He worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, where he remained employed for 29 years. In his spare time, he found a second love, working at the famous Toad’s Place. Here, he would meet legendary musicians, form lasting friendships, and receive inspiration. Michael toured with The Sons of Funk band, formed by the drummer of Parliament. He and David met their idols, George Clinton and Larry Graham, in their travels nationwide.
Michael was quiet, but was also kind, caring and funny as heck. Many friends and family members obtained their nicknames from Michael. He was hilarious! Anyone who knew him, loved him.
Michael was predeceased by his father, Richard Batts. He is survived by our mother, Mary J. Green, sisters, Cheryl Carter (Greg) and Christine, brother, Paul Jackson (Shelley), daughter, Yvonne (Erin), and grandson Erian, along with his former wife, Linda Kendall, and their children Alisha, Erica and Khadijia. There are too many more aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren to name.
We know Michael had a relationship with The Lord and is Resting in God’s arms forever!
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Michael’s family from 9-11 a.m. Monday, November 28th, 2022 in Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
Services
Visitation: November 28, 2022 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Funeral Service: November 28, 2022 11:00 am
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
I am absolutely shocked and saddened by the news of Mike’s passing. In fall 1996, I began employment at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and got to know Mike. I got to know him well talking about music, sports, life in general and we were familiar with each other since I went to Toads Place often back then. Thank you to Mike I got to see Rearview and more play often(the welcoming backstage at Toad’s was so special). Mike will never forget MLK tribute in 2009 when I was between the back bar at Toad’s and backstage routing for the Steelers in an AFC championship. He looked worried about me. LOL. I thoroughly enjoyed all of those times. Mike and I also ran into each other at TK’s in New Haven as I was frenetically watching UConn games. To his family and Rearview: David, Kent, Shirley, Al, Parker, Paul and all others: I am mourning with all of you. My best to all of you in your time of grief. -Chris McGirr, North Branford, CT. RIP in peace Mike.
Rest well my friend 🦋🙏🏽😘
We are saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. We can remember hearing the music coming from the baseball field down the street when we were in high-school. We also had the opportunity to hear Mike and the band perform at Toads place. Condolences to his family and friends, he will be truly missed.
From your little bro-forever in spirit and grace…Forever Funkin’ On:
Al
🙏🏾❤️🤘🏾🎷🎤🎼🎵🎶
Sad to hear my friend passing..many great times and memories with him. All the fellas breaking down music. Always keeping having fun in mind..dreaming one day to be on stage…he accomplished a lot in that direction ..I’ll always remember his jokes,jump shot, perfectly shape her cuts….his input in matters. May God continue to comfort his family and friends during there hours of need.
Sad to hear my friend passing..many great times and memories with him. All the fellas breaking down music. Always keeping having fun in mind..dreaming one day to be on stage…he accomplished a lot in that direction ..I’ll always remember his jokes,jump shot, perfectly shape hair cuts….his input in matters. May God continue to comfort his family and friends during there hours of need.
I’ll miss my fellow Gemini. Mike was a good man and awesome Bass player. For years our thing was to call one another on New Year’s day to watch the Twilight Zone marathon. He’ll surely be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
I’m very sorry for your tremendous loss. Michel was a wonderful and unique individual who could always make you smile or laugh. May God continue to keep and comfort you all through this difficult time. 🙏🏾🕊️💐
To the beloved family of Michael Batts.
May you keep the loving memories of your Loved one in that special space in your heart reserved for him. Let Michael’s music soothe and embrace your souls.May God keep you all at this time and beyond. God’s Comfort and Peace to all. Love, Tamara
Michael was a joy to know and I treasured our friendship and fun memories. I am sorry I am in Florida and cannot pay my respect to his family He was someone I was happy to call friend
Donna
I was stunned to see Mike’s smiling face in the obituaries and offer my condolences to his family.
Though we both lived in the same neighborhood, because Mike was a few years younger we never had any interaction. So it was years later when we both worked at Blue Cross that we discovered our paths had crossed when Mike realized I was the girl with the “big red dog” (as he described our Golden Retriever) he had seen down at the park and across from the Dennis family.
If you didn’t know Mike, you could be intimidated by his serious unsmiling expression. Mike was actually warm, kind and fun. Our Blue Cross group of friends had fun times, including going to Madison Square Garden for basketball games. I also remember Mike’s big cars and him putting me on the list to see Tower of Power at Toads. Didn’t see much of Mike after the Blue Cross years, but remember how happy I felt whenever we’d run into each other.
Rest In Peace, Mike.
RIP Michael, you were a great person and kind. You will be missed, God bless 🙏🏼❤️
Michael, uou were such a kind person, always a kind word. I will miss our brief conversations on FB. May you rest in peace forever.
My Condolences to My Family
GOD BLESS
MICHAEL REST IN PARADISE 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
My condolences to my family
Michael REST IN PARADISE 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
To Mary and family:
My condolences to you in the loss of your love one.
May you find comfort during these difficult times.🙏🏾