Frank Batcher Jr. of Hermitage passed away at 11:13 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 83. Mr. Batcher was born Jan. 31, 1930, in Sharon, a son of Frank Batcher Sr. and Pauline Noga Batcher. He was a lifelong area resident and a graduate of Hickory High School, Hermitage. Frank was employed for more than 30 years at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., retiring in 1984 when the plant closed. He was an excellent carpenter and cabinet maker. Frank was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hermitage. He was a legend among his many music associates from near and far. He personally met many of the prominent country and bluegrass musicians who were popular during the last 70 years. His vast knowledge of musical history is almost unimaginable. He performed at almost every festival, jamboree and other venues that he knew. He was an accomplished master of the guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin. His wife of 45 years, the former Barbara Victor, whom he married July 25, 1950, also died on Christmas Day - in 1995. Surviving are: a daughter, Dawnelle Shrawder, Pittsburgh; a son, Keith Alan Batcher and his wife Cynthia, Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren; two greatgrandsons; a sister, Marilyn Longley, Hermitage; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Frank was preceded in death by his parents and a brother who died in infancy. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Buhl Farm Park, 715 Hazen Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148. Calling hours: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (12-29-13) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St. Sharon. Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Monday (12-30-13) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeffrey M. Harter, pastor of St.'s Peter and Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sharon, officiating. Burial: Crown Hill Mausoleum, Vienna, Ohio.