Message From the 3rd Vice President

The OSDIA Convention in June was a success, and everyone had a wonderful time! Congratulations to Barbara Wisniewski, Lynn Lawrence Murphy, Lori Rossi, and Ervin Siax for all their hard work and dedication in making this event a success! On July 16th, the Gold Country Lodge #2705 celebrated their 26th Anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, they honored one of the founding members, Angelo Battaglia. He unfortunately passed away just a few weeks prior to his 100th Birthday.

Angelo was born on July 21st, 1922, in Yonkers, New York to Guiseppi and Girolama Battaglia. His parents had left Sicily to escape the Mafia in 1906. In 1929 the Battaglia family set out to California and ended up in Pasadena. Can you imagine a family of 2 girls, a boy and their parents traveling cross country in the dead of winter on dirt roads? Angelo went to grade school and high school in Pasadena. He attended both Pasadena Jr. College and The Army Air Force Flight School at the same time. He graduated from both schools in 2 years.

In 1943 Angelo joined the Army Air Force. He trained to be a B-17 pilot. It was in the service when he got his nickname “Bat” because no one could pronounce his last name Battaglia. When the War ended in 1945 Bat took advantage of the GI Bill and entered Kansas University where he met his beautiful wife, Mary Jane. They were married on June 4th, 1948. After having three daughters they settled in Placerville in 1964. Bat and Mary Jane were married 71 years. They had rich and rewarding lives sharing great time with their family and friends.

I only met him a few times, but I will always remember his friendliness and positiveness towards people. Bat always had a big smile for everyone. The Sons and Daughters of Italy have lost a wonderful brother, but God has received another great soul. We will miss him and remember him with love and friendship. Remember to embrace every moment spent with our friends & family and make sure you call someone you have not seen or talked to in a while just to say hello.

Ciao for now,