Retired Waltham Police Officer Was Member of Shriners in Wilmington

The following is an obituary courtesy of Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels.

Retired Waltham Police Officer Robert J. Battaglia, of Waltham, passed away Sunday evening June 8 at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge after a brief illness at the age 68.

Born on December 26, 1945 in Waltham; son of the late Anthony and Sarah (McNulty) Battaglia; Robert was a lifelong resident of Waltham. A graduate of Waltham High School in 1964, Robert entered the service served and proudly with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Robert returned from the service and became employed with the City of Waltham Police Department where he served as a Patrolman for many years. He was a dedicated Police Officer and extremely proud of his time on the police force. Later, Mr. Battaglia was employed by McKinnons Meat Market in Somerville for many years, where he always put a smile on customers faces.

He was a member of the Waltham Police Patrolmans Association, the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post #156 in Waltham, the John M. Sullivan Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10334 in Waltham, the Waltham Lodge of Elks B.P.O.E. #953, and the Blue Lodge of Masons Shriners of Wilmington.

Bob was an avid Red Sox fan, and was almost always in possession of several lottery tickets and his Dunkin Donuts coffee. He was a loyal and loving father, nephew, cousin and friend.

Bob is survived by his son, Richard and his fianc, Shaylan Griswold. Just recently engaged to Joanne Suthar, Mr. Battaglia is further survived by his brother-in-law Richard Zanelli, his nephews Edward, Richard, Daniel and Geoffrey Zanelli, all of California. He was preceded in death by his sister MaryAnn Zanelli.

Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend Funeral Services from the Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels, 325 Trapelo Road, BELMONT on Friday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Roberts Life at Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham at 10:30 a.m.

Interment will follow with United States Air Force Military Honors at Saint Patricks Cemetery in Watertown.