Augustus James "AJ" Battaglia

Loudonville - Augustus James Battaglia, 54, lost his valiant battle with cancer Friday, January 21, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at The Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, New York. Born in Albany, New York, on December 27, 1956, A.J. was the son of Patricia Hunter Standish and Philip Sylvester Battaglia, the stepson of J. Spencer Standish and the loving husband of Anne Frances Battaglia. AJ grew up in Loudonville, New York, graduated from St Pius X grammar school, where he was an alter boy, then Christian Brothers Academy, where he formed many lifelong friendships and Christian values. He earned a business degree from Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. Following college, for two years AJ traveled throughout Arizona and California to become acquainted with the growers and shippers of wholesale produce which helped develop his passion for a life in this business. For several years AJ was employed at Caruso, Rinella, Battaglia Co, Inc., his family business. He expanded the business into the North Country by operating a warehouse in Keeseville, NY. While there he had the honor of being the produce purveyor for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placed, NY. He opened AJ’s Marketplace in Loudon Plaza and was the owner of American Fresh Produce at the Menands Market in Menands, NY. Although AJ loved his life in Produce his true commitment and love was for his three children, AJ II, Michael, and Katie. His greatest joys were spending time with his children and attending their sporting events and activities. He prided himself on seeing AJ II play lacrosse for Providence College, Michael for Siena College, and there was a special smile he shared only with his daughter Kate. AJ had an incredible gift for cooking. Everything he created in the kitchen had its own unique taste that only AJ could make happen. His friends and family would gather around him as he concocted his delicious specialties. In addition to his parents and loving wife, AJ is survived by his three children, Augustus James II, Michael Joseph, and Katherine Alexis, his brothers and sisters: Sylvester, Mary Jo Kelly (Raymond), Margaret Glassman (Nelson), Anthony (Debbie), Stacie Clough-Pappas (Tony), and Philip Battaglia, Esq. He also had many nieces and nephews and very loyal and dear friends. Funeral services Tuesday, January 25,2011 at 10:30 in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call in the church Monday, January 24, 2011 4:00 to 7:00pm. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy, NY. Those wishing to remember AJ in a special way may send a contribution to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, Ny 12205 To leave the family a special message on their guest book; obtain a prayer card or directions; or share a photo or E-card with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Augustus James "AJ" Battaglia

December 27, 1956 - January 21, 2011