Limerick Man, Royersford Fire Member Who Played Santa For Years, Dies

LIMERICK, PA — A beloved local volunteer and member of the Limerick and Royersford communities died this week.

Anthony Charles Batzel, also known as "Santa Tony" for his volunteer work as Santa at public events, was 75.

A Limerick resident, Batzel was a longtime Royersford Fire member. His Santa role extended from the Royersford Fire Department's "Breakfast with Santa" to riding the "Fire Claus" truck and waving to local kids as Santa.

"The joy that was brought every year to the Spring-Ford Community by Tony as he climbed on top of the fire truck all decked out as Santa and waving to every child street by street!" the Royersford Fire Department shared. "He will sadly missed. Rest easy Tony."

Tony's longtime companion, Rita, also joined Tony as Mrs. Claus.

According to his obituary, Tony's greatest passions were his family, the Eagles and Phillies, Texas Hold 'Em poker, fishing, and hunting.

A celebration of life service will be held at Fairview Village Church in Eagleville on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear something red or green, like a Phillies or Eagles jersey or an Christmas sweater.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Phoenixville Cancer Center. Checks should be made checks payable to the Phoenixville Hospital Foundation, 140 Nutt Road, Phoenixville PA 19460, and should include a note that it is for the cancer center, "in Memory of Anthony Batzel."