Thomas Richard Battalino, age 84 of Milford, beloved husband of Violet (LaSella) Battalino, departed this life on Friday, July 22, 2011 at Milford Hospital after a short illness. Tom was born on June 7, 1927 in Bridgeport, the son of Mariano Battalino and Victoria Battalino Casoria. On September 3, 1949, he married Violet M. LaSella, and together raised three daughters and a son. In addition to his wife, Violet, he is survived by children, Joan Piccolo of West Haven, Debra Dunn of Torrington, Laurie Russell of Shelton and Thomas Battalino, Jr. of Milford; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his brother, James Casoria of Bridgeport. He was preceded in death by his father, Mariano Battalino and his mother, Victoria Battalino Casoria; his stepfather, Anthony Casoria; and his sister Loretta Pavone, all of Bridgeport. His long career included work for Sprague Meter, Robertshaw, American Chain & Cable and Enthone. He was a devoted, life-long fan of the New York Yankees, and as a young man played for the Yankee farm team in Richmond, Va. for a short period. Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and coached for the Milford Little League. A wake will be held Monday July 25, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Smith & Sefcik Funeral Home, 135 Broad St., Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:30am in Christ The Redeemer Church. Interment will follow in Kings Highway Cemetery, Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom's memory may be directed to the Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive, Milford, CT 06460. To leave condolences or for directions, please visit our website @ www.georgejsmithandson.com

Published in Connecticut Post on July 24, 2011