Ronald Battaglia Senior was born in the Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York to Concetta and Gaspare Battaglia. He arrived at 9:00 pm on Monday, January 7th, 1952. He passed away from a very aggressive form of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer at 1:05 am on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the young age of 64. Ron, Ronnie, or Pop as most of his close family and friends called him was survived by his wife, Marilyn Annette Battaglia, two sons: Ronald Battaglia Jr. (Brooke), and Joseph Battaglia (Ashley), three step-daughters: Hallie Barnes, Jill Felipe (Alex), and Anne Lyons. He was also survived by seven grandbabies: Mackenzie, Dante, Sophie, Bronson, Lily, Baron, and Luke. He is survived by one sister Marie Napolitano and three brothers: Frank, Barry and David Galante and his stepfather Frank Galante Sr. He has many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is now celebrating in heaven with his mother Concetta and his granddaughter Lia Sophia Battaglia.
Ron lived in Brooklyn, New York until he was 17. At that time he followed his family to California and grew up in the San Fernando Valley living most of his adult life in the Sunland-Tujunga area. Ron loved his family, his music, his pigeons and his friends…most of which he considered family. To know Ron for even a short time was to be included in his definition of close friends and family. He never met a stranger. He had several bands growing up and into his adulthood and even played in a band with his son Joey. He loved relaxing playing his music and singing to anyone who would listen including his grandbabies and his wife. Ron attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, New York and when he was not in class or playing his music he loved to fly his pigeons, a hobby that he carried on into his adult life. He had pigeons several times off and on throughout his life.
Ron married Kim Bianchi in 1974 and they were married for many years and had 2 sons. Ron and Kim were later divorced and he married Marilyn Lyons and with this marriage he acquired 3 step-daughters, who he loved and called his own. The entire family remained friends and a family unit throughout everything. They celebrated together, built friendships together; which was very meaningful for the kids.
Ron’s resume reads like a novel. He tried to enlist in the Military but was disqualified due to having flat feet and some hearing loss. Ron attended Pasadena City College and took general education courses. He also attended classes in animal control for the City of Los Angeles. He worked as a volunteer, for the City of Los Angeles, as an Animal Regulation Control Officer riding in the Angeles Crest on horseback for many years. Ron took courses in helicopter flying and became a certified Helicopter Pilot. He has tried or done just about every imaginable occupation. A list of these things are included in his son Ron Jr.’s Eulogy. I am sure we have probably missed something as he was a man of MANY talents but most importantly he was a wonderful HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER AND BEST FRIEND to his wife, 5 children, 8 grandbabies, extended family and friends.
Many people have asked his family what his attributes were that described him and despite several peoples input the list was very consistent: “Extremely charming, positive outlook on life, amazing sense of humor, loving and warm hearted.” Ron always loved people and they always loved him. You could not stay upset or mad at Ron for very long. He would offer to cook for you, and he was an AMAZING cook, and then you would soon forgive and forget.
Ron has always believed in God and Jesus. He was brought up 7th Day Adventist. He rarely attended Church as he did not have the patience to sit that long but he was very much a believer and he prayed often when alone or with his wife and family. He had a big heart and loved unconditionally with a Christ like “love”. When he found out he was sick he was initially scared but as he, his wife, his brother David, and family talked about God and Heaven he realized that he had nothing to fear. He was sad that he would not be around for his grandchildren and family, but became ready as his body got tired. He was even baptized 2 days before he passed. When asked if he was excited about seeing his mom and his granddaughter Lia in Heaven he smiled. He asked God for forgiveness of his wrong doings in life and accepted Christ’s forgiveness. He accepted Christ in to his heart and was at peace.
Ron Battaglia Senior was truly a man that was larger than life. Ron’s favorite sayings were, “The sun will come up tomorrow”, “Everything will be copacetic”, “From your mouth to God’s ears”, “Did you ever hear the story of the snake?”, and for his wife and mother “What makes the Robin sing? My love!” He loved being nurtured and cared for as that made him happy. He hated to be alone and always had someone by his side. He passed away only after saying “Goodbye” to his loved ones and in the arms of his wife who will always be his “Angel”. He spoke with his eyes as they were full of life and very animated. His last few weeks he was unable to speak as he had to have a trachea tube put in to help him breath but those who knew him best could tell what he wanted by reading his eyes.
God broke the mold when he created Ron, Ronnie, Pop! He still lives through his sons, they have the same smiling expressive eyes as he did, and he will live on in the hearts of his family and friends as they were his true PASSION! We will never forget how blessed we were to have Ron, Ronnie, Pop in our lives! Rest in Peace…you are greatly missed!
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