Obituary of Craig Alan Bateman

Craig Alan Bateman, 64, passed away on July 15, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1961, in Philadelphia, the son of Joan (Doyle) Bateman and the late Bruce Bateman.

Craig grew up in Havertown  and graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1979. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later returned the favor as a leader of Troop 73, mentoring younger scouts with the same patience and dedication he showed throughout his life.

He studied nursing at Hahnemann University School of Medicine and always had a curious mind—he was a lifelong learner who loved to figure things out. Craig ran his own business alongside his father , Budget Print in West Chester, for many years, and was also a skilled swim instructor who genuinely loved helping people become confident in the water.

Craig enjoyed the simple things: good beer (especially German and Belgian), reading Stephen King novels, and caring for his many pets over the years—dogs, birds, hamsters, fish—you name it. He had a deep love for music, especially the Grateful Dead, and often found meaning in their lyrics. One line that stuck with him was from Box of Rain: “If you really want to do it, you’ll find a way.” It captured the way he lived—quietly determined, always moving forward.

But more than anything else, Craig was a great father. He poured everything he had into raising his two sons. He showed up, he listened, he taught, he loved. He was steady, dependable, and full of quiet wisdom. His boys were his greatest joy, and he made sure they always knew it.

Craig is survived by his Loving wife, Nancy Bateman; his mother, Joan Bateman; and his sons, Joseph Bateman and Timothy Bateman. He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Bateman, and his brother, Bruce Eric Bateman.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 23, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at R. Strunk Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM.

For those who wish, contributions can be made in Craig’s memory to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111 or foxchase.org/donate.

Arrangements by R. Strunk Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at  www.rstrunkfuneralhome.com