Barbara June Battistoni

Barbara June Robinson Battistoni, 49-year resident of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully September 10, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 7, 1926, in Bakersfield, California, Barbara was the only child of Lee and Bill Robinson. She graduated in 1943 from East Bakersfield High School, where she was on the champion debate team. After graduating, she went to work for the Kern County School District in Bakersfield, where she was a valued employee for over a decade. On June 28, 1947, Barbara married John Battistoni, a Navy veteran. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this past June. Their son Richard was born in 1954. Barbara’s husband’s business took the family to Mexico City, where they lived for two years, and in 1967 the family moved to Las Vegas, where Barbara would live the rest of her life. In Las Vegas, Barbara worked as a dress shop manager and then as a property manager for two local real estate developers, before turning her attention to helping John with the enzyme manufacturing business they owned together. The two of them got to travel to many countries together for business and pleasure. They especially enjoyed several trips to Tuscany, Italy, with family members. Barbara loved hosting family and friends at holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. Her generosity and giving spirit were always evident. During her whole life, and even at age 90, Barbara’s mind was exceedingly sharp and her memory never failed her. Her knowledge of current events and social media, and her abilities on her iPad, amazed all she encountered. Barbara leaves behind her husband, John, her son Richard and his wife Betsy Ritz, of Lincoln, RI, and granddaughters Alyssa Battistoni, of New Haven, CT, Katharine Battistoni, of Austin, TX, and Marielle Battistoni Fortune and her husband James Fortune, of Philadelphia, PA, as well as many loving relatives, caretakers, and friends. A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place Saturday, October 22, at 10:00 a.m., at Palm Mortuary, 1600 South Jones Blvd., in Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Barbara’s memory to the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, or to the St. Labre Indian School. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to so many, Barbara will be deeply missed, and her indomitable spirit and wonderful life will be remembered forever.