Obituary of Francesco Battaglia

Battaglia, Francesco age 85 of Woodland Park at rest in Woodland Park on April 6, 2012. Beloved husband of Flavia (nee Cercone) Battaglia of Woodland Park. Loving father of Elisabetta "Elizabeth" Battaglia-Wright of Beachwood, Franco Battaglia of Warren Twsp., and Giuseppe Battaglia of Fairfield. Brother of Giovanni Battaglia of Fairfield and Giovanna Ferraro of Vittoria, Sicily, Italy. Survivors include a sister in law, Luciana of Milan, Italy, eight grandchildren and three great granddaughters. Born in Santa Croce Camerina, Prov. di Ragusa, Sicily, Italy, he came to the USA in 1958, originally settling in Paterson. "He was larger than life; whatever he did - cooking, dancing, gardening, debating - was done with great passion and "molto gusto. He brought love and laughter wherever he went and we now carry that in our hearts." Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, on Wednesday at 8:45 AM. Funeral Mass to follow at Our Lady of Pompeii, Paterson at 9:30 AM. Cremation is private at the request of the family. Friends may call Monday 7-9 PM and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to San Giuseppe Santa Croce Camerina Society Scholarship Fund, 131 Wagaraw Rd., Hawthorne, NJ 07506 would be appreciated. This fund is based on merit and need, regardless of race or creed.