It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Michael J. Batza, Jr. on August 20, 2025. He passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by family.

Mike was the eldest of three children of the late Grace Batza (née Sonaty) and Michael John Batza, Sr. He was born on November 27, 1941, in Shelton, Connecticut. As a child, Mike cherished time with his extended family in Shelton before moving to Long Island. He graduated from Syosset High School in 1959, excelling in both academics and athletics. His peers voted him "Our All-American Guy" and "Best Athlete" for his outstanding achievements in baseball, track, basketball, and football.

Following high school, Mike attended Colgate University, where he earned a BA in Economics. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and lettered in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. His pride in being a Colgate graduate and member of the Class of 1963 was a constant throughout his life. After college, Mike served in the Air Force Reserve.

Mike began his business career with Connecticut General Insurance, which brought him to Chicago. It was there that he met his wife, Patricia Kay Law ("Pattie"). They married on January 21, 1967. In Chicago, they had the good fortune of moving next door to Earl and Darielle Linehan. Soon after, Mike and Earl co-founded Med-Services, Ltd. in 1968, bringing Mike and his young family to Baltimore — a community they would call home for more than 50 years. In Baltimore, Mike and Earl first partnered with Roger Lipitz and later with Arnie Richman and Ed Burchell. Together, they grew Meridian Healthcare, which they sold to Genesis Health Ventures in 1993. At that time, Mike turned his full attention to Heritage Properties, Inc., his award-winning real estate development firm, where he remained actively involved until his passing.

Mike's success in business afforded him the opportunity to build a lasting legacy through philanthropy. With Pattie, his partner in giving, they established the Batza Family Foundation. His generosity, vision, and compassion left a profound impact on Baltimore and inspired his family and countless others. Mike gave tirelessly — and often without seeking recognition — to numerous organizations, including Colgate University, Mercy Health Systems, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, St. Mary's Seminary and University, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Goucher College, and countless others.

Family, friends, and faith were the driving forces of Mike's life. A devout Catholic, he was named a Knight of Saint Gregory by Pope John Paul II in 1996, a papal honor recognizing distinguished service to the Church. He shared his life and hospitality generously, both at his home in Towson and at Stagwell Farm on the Wye River.  He spent endless hours hunting and enjoying the sunset with a glass of wine, with his family and beloved yellow labs. Mike cherished his friendships, which often took him on travels around the world. He was an avid waterfowl hunter, sailor, farmer, expert skier, fly-fisherman, golfer, and self-proclaimed sommelier to name a few. He was a treasured colleague, friend, brother, husband, father, and PopPop. Of all his accomplishments and accolades, none meant more to him than his family — the legacy he held most dear.

Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pattie; his daughters Michelle Batza Railey (Jim), Maureen Batza Morris (Chris), and Meggan Batza Brennan (Mark); his brother John Batza; his sister Barbara Tonelli; and his six grandchildren, Mike, Matt, Katie, Ben, Maddie, and Lindsey.

Visitation will be held at Ruck Towson Funeral Home on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Seminary and University (5400 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210). A private family interment will follow at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Mercy Health Foundation, McAuley Tower/ 15th Floor, 301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202-2123 or https://mdmercy.com/giving Kennedy Krieger Foundation,  Attention: Office of Philanthropy, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD. 21205 or www.kennedykrieger.org/tributes Colgate University, P.O. Box 313, Canajoharie, NY 13317-0313 or www.colgate.edu/makeagift Goucher College, Attn: Michele Ewing, Vice President for Advancement, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Baltimore, MD  21204, or www.goucher.edu/gift