Henry “Hank” James Battaglia, Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA passed away peacefully on July 14th, 2018. He was 86. Hank was born in Pittsburgh on September 29, 1931 to parents Henry James Battaglia, Sr. and Rosalie F. (Soukup) Battaglia. Hank grew up in Pittsburgh, including Northside, Brookline and Mt. Lebanon. When Hank was in middle school the family relocated to Montclair, NJ where Hank attended Montclair Academy. The family had a summer home in Cape May where Hank developed a deep love for the seashore, which he carried with him throughout his life. While attending Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA Hank met Sophie Regina Bucko. After graduating from Lehigh the couple married, and Hank then served in the US Army, stationed at the NORAD facility in Newfoundland. After Hank left the Army, the couple moved to Canfield, OH where Hank landed his first job out of college as an assistant buyer with Youngstown Sheet and Tube. While in Canfield, Hank and Sophie had 4 children. In 1966 the family moved to Upper St. Clair, PA where Hank joined a small sales firm, selling equipment and repair parts to steel mill operations. After a number of successful years there, Hank joined a Pittsburgh-based steel fabricator and erector as VP of Sales, quickly becoming President of the company. Hank eventually left Pittsburgh and married Leona “Lee” Guzik in 1986. The couple was married for 26 years, during which Hank led and managed businesses in Houston, Wichita, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Las Vegas where he spent the final 13 years of his more than 50-year career in the steel business. He was instrumental in obtaining and managing high-profile fabrication and construction projects and driving the growth of the businesses he managed, while distinguishing himself in the industry as a highly respected, reliable and honest business partner. Hank was a friend to everyone, whether it be iron workers, executives or customers. Hank retired at age 75 and eventually moved back to Upper St. Clair where he resided at Friendship Village until his final days. He was preceded in death by his brother David and his daughter Susan Battaglia, along with first wife Sophie and wife Lee. Hank is survived by his children Gregg Battaglia (Kim) residing in Cincinnati, Judy Henry (Doug) residing in Potomac, MD and Mark Battaglia (Diane) living in Mt. Lebanon, along with 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Interment is private. Arrangements are under the direction of HP Brandt Funeral Home, Inc., 1032 Perry Hwy., Ross Twp. (412-364-4444). Interment is private. Condolences may be offered at www.brandtfuneralhome.com
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