Joseph Leo Battistelli, 78, of Mattapoisett, died November 12, 2009 at home.
He was the husband of the late Shirley M. (Vincent) Battistelli.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Joseph F. and Beatrice (Brunelle) Battistelli, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life. Prior to that, he worked at his father's Exxon Gas Station in Fairhaven.
He and his wife were the proprietors of Cape Way Sports Center in Mattapoisett.
Mr. Battistelli served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in such places as Newfoundland, British Columbia, upstate New York, Martha's Vineyard and Maine. He remained an avid hunter even after his hunting accident in Maine 14 years ago.
A member of the class of 1950 at Fairhaven High School, Mr. Battistelli was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in June 2006. In honoring him, hall officials said, "he was a four-year letter winner in the sports of football and baseball, earning All County honors in baseball and a reputation as a hard-working player on the gridiron."
Survivors include his 3 daughters; Donna Battistelli, Linda Camara and Brenda Budlong and her husband Timothy all of Mattapoisett; 7 grandchildren including Victoria Souza Medeiros and her husband Jeffrey of Somerset, Justin Souza, Alex Berry, Kyler Berry and Corrine Camara, all of Mattapoisett, Jennel Camara of Maine and Joseph Camara of Florida; a great-grandchild, Trenton Camara of Florida; a cousin, Anthony Battistelli of Dartmouth; an uncle, Henry Brunelle of New Bedford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His family will receive guests on Saturday, November 21st from 11 AM - 1 PM followed by his Memorial Service at 1 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Shirley Angel Foundation (which has been established by his granddaughter Victoria Souza Medeiros), 106 West Hill Ave., Somerset, MA 02726.