Raymond Battista

Garner - Ray was born in Mt. Vernon, New York to Marietta & Antonio Battista, a Silver Star WWI veteran. Ray carried on the patriotic tradition by enlisting in the Navy during WWII and served in Pacific combat aboard the U.S.S. Tennessee. Upon his discharge, he traveled the world as a Merchant Marine seaman; then worked for Consolidated Edison (CONED) in New York City. After retirement from CONED, he served as Deputy Director of Duchess County Office of Veterans Affair. He also was a Boxing and Wrestling Judge for the New York State Athletic Commission. Rays volunteer organizations included: Lieutenant Mahopac Falls NY Fire Department, the Rombout Fire Department of Fishkill, NY, Hudson Valley Sportsmans Association, and the Fishkill Historical Society. He was an advocate for Viet-Nam Veterans of Greenhaven Prison; was a member of the American Legion Post 1758, Hopewell Junction NY and Post 232, Garner, NC; Merchant Marine Associations of NY and NC, and the U.S.S. Tennessee Association. Ray, along with wife Barbara and son Brian, moved to Garner in 2006 to be near daughter Lyn Adriel Kash and her husband, Andrew Kash of Raleigh. Other survivors are sister, Nancy Grening of Port Charlotte, FL and sister-in-law, Clara Battista of Mt. Vernon, NY, along with nieces, nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, beloved brother Antonio, of Mt. Vernon, and brother-in-law, Richard Breen of Wayne, NJ. As a burn victim himself, Ray championed the cause and was a founding member of the NYC Burn Center. Ray led an active and interesting life, loved the sea, horses, boxing, music and to sing, as well as Bible study. Thank you staff of the Sunnybrook Nursing Home of Raleigh. A gravesite service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner