Obituary of Michael T. Battaglino

Michael Battaglino | Visit Guest Book Battaglino, Michael Binghamton: Born September 3, 1926 in Glasco, NY, Mike was the youngest of 8 children born to his immigrant parents, Dominic and Michalena Battaglino. He was predeceased by sisters Elizabeth Cafaldo, Fannie Battaglino, Antoinette Provenzano, Angie Aiello; and his brother John Battaglino. He is survived by his sister Marietta Carter. He is also survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathryn Cavanaugh Battaglino; children, John Battaglino, Beth Battaglino (Joseph Cahill), Kathleen Battaglino (Sam Salamida), Kristine Battaglino (Len Basso), Paul Battaglino (Tammy), Kara Battaglino (Bill Mohan); brother-in-law Robert Cavanaugh (Karen); sisters-in-law Mary Lou Powers and Elizabeth Rapasadi (Sam); nieces and nephews Kristi and Joseph Powers, Robert Rapasadi, Kathleen Mancini, Robert and Kathryn Cavanaugh; and 4 grandchildren, Anthony and Kate Salamida, John and Tara Battaglino. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Binghamton. Commissioner Battaglino began his career as a clerk in the Finance office of the NYS Dept. of Labor. He later joined the Bureau of Public Works as an investigator. He was transferred to Binghamton and appointed Asst. Commissioner of Labor by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. Mike served with distinction under Governors Malcolm Wilson, Hugh Carey, Mario Cuomo and George Pataki for 46 years until his retirement in 1995. The Commissioner was a member of The Greatest Generation and served his country in WWII, seeing combat duty in Germany with the Tenth Armored Division. His unit was a component of General George S. Patton's 3rd Army and liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp. On the conclusion of hostilities, he was transferred to the 9th Infantry Division as a member of the Occupation Force and received an Honorable Discharge. Mike considered it the ultimate privilege to have served his country and holds fellow members of military service very close to his heart. Mike loved his community and endeavored to serve and better it throughout his life. He served on the Arena Board for 3 years and held office as Board Chairman for 1 year. He helped to establish the Hockey Foundation and Hockey Scholarship Fund due to his love of the game and its importance in the local community. As a father he was constantly involved in all his children's activities, including Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, and CYO Soccer coaching duties. He was never too busy to attend all six of his children's events and supported them in all of their undertakings. Mike's biggest passion outside of his family was the sport of baseball. Upon moving to Binghamton he became involved with the Triplets Baseball Team and proudly became their voice as Public Address Announcer. He treasured the camaraderie of his closest friends with whom he played pinochle with for 55 years. Mike was also a ringer among the Bocce boys and enjoyed his excursions to the Catskill resorts for golfing and shows. Mike's generosity and compassion toward his family and people around him were among his greatest qualities and endeared him to his family, his friends and his community. Our dad took the greatest joy in life's simple pleasures, especially the gathering of family and friends to exchange stories, both old and new. His warm, charming personality and deeply sincere nature were infectious to all he met. He was always known as someone who would do anything for anyone, but most importantly he was someone who knew how to get things done. His family would like to thank all of the individuals at Hilltop, Fairview, Lourdes and Wilson Hospitals and all his friends at SEFCU who are responsible for taking such good care of him over the last several years. We cannot thank you enough for your friendship and affection and all of you efforts on his behalf will not be forgotten. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, Binghamton on Friday at 10 a.m. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Mike may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929. Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin from March 14 to March 16, 2012 Follow this Obituary Follow on Facebook Get Email Updates Share with Others