LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Michael Battaglino of Bing-
hamton, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York whose life and
endeavors testify to their commitment to, and love of, their family and
their community; and
WHEREAS, It is with deep regret that this Legislative Body records the
passing of Michael Battaglino of Binghamton, New York, at age 85, noting
the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors contributed so
much to the quality of life of his family and his community; and
WHEREAS, Born September 3, 1926 in Glasco, New York, Michael "Mike"
Battaglino was the youngest of eight children born to his immigrant
parents, Dominic and Michalena Battaglino; he was predeceased by sisters
Elizabeth Cafaldo, Fannie Battaglino, Antoinette Provenzano, and Angie
Aiello; and his brother John Battaglino; and
WHEREAS, Michael Battaglino is survived by his wife of 50 years,
Kathryn Cavanaugh Battaglino; his children, John Battaglino, Beth Batta-
glino and her husband Joseph Cahill, Kathleen Battaglino and her husband
Sam Salamida, Kristine Battaglino and her husband Len Basso, Paul Batta-
glino and his wife Tammy, and Kara Battaglino and her husband Bill
Mohan; his sister Marietta Carter; his brother-in-law Robert Cavanaugh
and his wife Karen; his sisters-in-law Mary Lou Powers and Elizabeth
Rapasadi and her husband Sam; his nieces and nephews Kristi and Joseph
Powers, Robert Rapasadi, Kathleen Mancini, Robert and Kathryn Cavanaugh;
and his grandchildren, Anthony and Kate Salamida and John and Tara
Battaglino; and
WHEREAS, Michael Battaglino began his career as a Clerk in the Finance
Office of the New York State Department of Labor; he later joined the
Bureau of Public Works as an Investigator and was subsequently trans-
ferred to Binghamton; and
WHEREAS, He was named Assistant Commissioner of Labor by Governor
Nelson Rockefeller and went on to serve with distinction under Governors
Malcolm Wilson, Hugh Carey, Mario Cuomo and George Pataki for 46 years
until his retirement in 1995; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Battaglino was a member of The Greatest Gener-
ation and served his country in World War II, seeing combat duty in
Germany with the Tenth Armored Division; his unit was a component of
General George S. Patton's 3rd Army which liberated the Dachau Concen-
tration Camp; and
WHEREAS, At the conclusion of hostilities, he was transferred to the
9th Infantry Division as a member of the Occupation Force and received
an Honorable Discharge; Michael Battaglino considered it the ultimate
privilege to have served his country and always held fellow members of
the military service very close to his heart; and
WHEREAS, Michael Battaglino, a member of St. Patrick's Church in Bing-
hamton, loved his community and endeavored to serve and better it
throughout his life; he was a member of the Arena Board for three years
and ably served as Board Chairman for a year and, thanks to his love of
the game of hockey and recognizing its importance in the local communi-
ty, he helped establish the Hockey Foundation and the Hockey Scholarship
Fund; and
WHEREAS, As a father, Michael Battaglino was constantly involved in
his children's activities, including Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball,
and CYO Soccer coaching duties; he was never too busy to attend all six
of his children's events and supported them in all of their under-
takings; and

WHEREAS, Michael Battaglino's greatest passion outside of his family
was the sport of baseball; upon moving to Binghamton he became involved
with the Triplets Baseball Team and proudly became its voice as Public
Address Announcer; and
WHEREAS, Michael Battaglino treasured the camaraderie of his closest
friends with whom he played pinochle for 55 years; he was also a ringer
among the Bocce boys and enjoyed his excursions to the Catskill resorts
for golfing and shows; and
WHEREAS, Michael Battaglino's generosity and compassion toward his
family and the people around him were well-known and were among his
greatest qualities, endearing him to his family, his friends, and his
community; and
WHEREAS, Michael Battaglino took the greatest joy in life's simple
pleasures, especially the gathering of family and friends to exchange
stories, both old and new; his warm, charming personality and deeply
sincere nature were transmitted to all he met; he was known as someone
who would do anything for anyone and equally importantly, he was known
as well as someone who knew how to get things done; and
WHEREAS, He and his family greatly appreciated all those at Hilltop,
Fairview, Lourdes and Wilson Hospitals and all his friends at SEFCU who
helped take such good care of him over the past several years and will
always be grateful to them for their friendship, affection and efforts
on his behalf; and
WHEREAS, Over his meritorious life, Michael Battaglino distinguished
himself as a man of sincere dedication and substantial contribution;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Michael Battaglino, to celebrate his life, and
to recognize and applaud his many accomplishments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Michael Battaglino.