Robert Battaglia, Former Waltham Police Officer, Dies at 68

The following is from Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home.

Robert J. Battaglia, of Waltham, passed away Sunday evening, June 8, 2014 at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge after a brief illness at the age of 68. 

Born on Dec. 26, 1945 in Waltham, son of the late Anthony and Sarah (McNulty) Battaglia, Robert was a lifelong resident of Waltham. 

A graduate of Waltham High School in 1964, Robert entered the service and served proudly with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. 

Robert returned from the service and became employed with the City of Waltham Police Department where he served as a patrolman for many years. He was a dedicated police officer and extremely proud of his time on the police force. 

Later, Mr. Battaglia was employed by McKinnon’s Meat Market in Somerville for many years, where he always put a smile on customers' faces.

He was a member of the Waltham Police Patrolman’s Association, the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post #156 in Waltham, the John M. Sullivan Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10334 in Waltham, the Waltham Lodge of Elks B.P.O.E. #953 and the Blue Lodge of Masons Shriners of Wilmington.

Bob was an avid Red Sox fan, and was almost always in possession of several lottery tickets and his Dunkin' Donuts coffee. He was a loyal and loving father, nephew, cousin and friend. 

Bob is survived by his loving son, Richard and his fiancé Shaylan Griswold. Just recently engaged to Joanne Suthar, Mr. Battaglia is further survived by his brother-in-law Richard Zanelli, his nephews Edward, Richard, Daniel and Geoffrey Zanelli, all of California, his devoted cousin Cathy Brown and his dear friends the Kontos Family. 

He was preceded in death by his sister MaryAnn Zanelli and brother Richard Joseph Battaglia. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral services from the Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels, 325 Trapelo Road, BELMONT, on Friday morning, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. with a mass of Christian burial in celebration of Robert’s life at Saint Jude Church, 147 Main St., Waltham, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow with U.S. Air Force Military Honors at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Watertown. Visiting Hours will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, June 12, from 4-7 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking.