Edward John Battaglia, 75, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 19, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, to Alfonso Salvatore Battaglia and Stella (Nosal) Battaglia.
Ed was the youngest son of Alfonso and Stella and a beloved brother to his three older siblings. Ed earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo, SUNY, and then enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed at NAS Pensacola in the 1970s. Ed went on to leave the service then moving to Panama City, Florida, to work as a professional engineer with the Gulf Power Company. During his engineering career that eventually brought him back to Pensacola, Florida, Ed went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of South Florida and moved into management. Ed retired from the Gulf Power Company after 43 years in 2016.
In Panama City, Florida, Ed met his lifelong love, Alana (Welch) Battaglia and married on September 14, 1979. Ed and Alana had two daughters. When Ed was not tinkering with house projects, he enjoyed cruising on his Yamaha motorcycle, or motoring in his sporty Mazda MX-5. Ed was an avid model train enthusiast spending many hours planning out track layouts and enjoyed refurbishing old arcade gaming cabinets. Ed’s greatest joy was the time spent with his grandson, John, who shares a love of model trains with his grandfather. Ed was a remarkable grandfather, father, husband, brother, and uncle dedicating his life to loving his family. Ed will be deeply missed.
Ed is predeceased by Sarah Battaglia, his daughter; Alfonso and Stella Battaglia, his parents; and Joseph and Bill Battaglia, his brothers.
Ed is survived by his wife, Alana Battaglia, his daughter, Laura Battaglia Smrekar and husband, Ian, his grandson, John Edward Fortson, his son-in-law, Benjamin Fortson, his step-grandson, Thomas Fortson, Ed’s sister, Anna Marie Martin and husband, Sonny, his nieces, Ava McCombs and husband, Ed, Angela Mason and husband, Pork, Laurie Lavery and husband, Bruce, and Linda Battaglia, his nephews, Andy Battaglia and Joe Battaglia, his great niece, Alexandria Butler and husband, Gabe, and many more beloved family.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all family and friends who supported Ed during his illness especially his exceptional oncologist and nursing staff at Baptist Medical Group, who gave him the best hope and care.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Baptist Health Care Foundation or cancer research foundations would be greatly appreciated.
Pallbearers: Ian Smrekar, Benjamin Fortson, Thomas Fortson, Ed McCombs, Pork Mason, and Taylor Kelly.
A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2026 at Bayview Memorial Park. A reception will follow at 10651 MacGregor Dr. Pensacola, FL 32514.
BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements.
