Orazio Battiato

Orazio "Russ" Battiato, a retired produce grower in Chester, NY and Homestead, FL., and a life long resident of Chester, NY died on April 18, 2017 at his home with his family around him. He was 90 years of age. Russ was a Chester High School graduate in the Class of 1945. He was member of Orange County Antique Auto Club and was the proud "original owner" of a 1946 Chevy 1 A ton truck and a 1964 Pontiac Bonneville. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all flying. His dream of becoming a commercial pilot never became a reality, but at the age of 64, he did succeed in getting his license and fulfilling his dream of flying solo. You could always find Russ in his vegetable garden, growing more than 30 different vegetables for his family and friends. He also loved to travel, having been to Europe several times, Asia, South America, Central America and numerous islands in the Caribbean. He was always so proud to say how he drove to or in every state in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. He was also a life member of the Middletown Elks Club and Special Honorary Member of the Walton Engine and Hose Company in Chester. The son of the late Joseph Battiato and Anna DiBello Battiato Bono, he was born on March 20, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY. He came to Chester at the age of 2 and remained until his death. Survivors include his wife Christine Lupinski Battiato of 46 years. He was predeased by his first wife Helen Zappala, who died March 13, 1969. From his first marriage, he leaves his children Russ and his wife Kristen of Homestead, FL and Townville, SC; Joann Smith and her husband Tom of Montgomery, NY; and Alan and his wife Cathy of Chester, NY. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Ryan and Lisa Smith; and Nicole, Katie and Jennifer Battiato. He is also survived by his brother Sam and his wife Virginia; his brother Joseph and his wife Phyllis; sister-in-law Rose Bono, all of Chester, NY, in addition to his nephews. He predeceased by his step-father Charles Bono and step-brother Mark Bono. Visitation will be held Friday April 21, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc., located at 3 Hudson Street, Chester, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Columba Church, 29 High Street, Chester, NY on Saturday April 22, 2017 at 12:00 noon. Burial will immediately follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Chester, NY. Russ' family has requested donations be made in his name to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas F. Flynn and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc. To obtain driving directions, to our funeral home, or to offer an online memorial, please visit www.flynnfh.com