Guerino Battista

Guerino L. Battista, a 58 year resident of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family at the age of 95, Tuesday, May 13th 2008 in the University Commons Nursing Care Center in Worcester, where he lived the past 16 months. Guido's wife Catherine "Dolly" (Mastrorio) passed away in 1992, after being married in love for 46 years. He is survived by his adored children, Anthony Battista and his wife Patty of Dudley, and Carol A. McKeon of Worcester; three beloved grandchildren Gianna Marie Battista and Anthony J. Battista, Jr. of Dudley, Christopher A. McKeon and his wife Karen of Thompson CT.; many nieces and nephews. Three brothers, Danny, Domenic, and Frank Battista, as well as a sister Anna (Battista) Fraioli, all pre deceased him. Guido was born in 1913, in Fontana Liri, Italy, the son of Antonio and Nunziata (DeAngelis) Battista. He came to America at the age of 15 in April, 1928 arriving as so many others on Ellis Island, in New York. From New York he went directly to Worcester and later moved to Shrewsbury where he has lived since 1950. In 1941, Guido joined the Army undergoing basic training at Fort Devens. From there he was sent to Europe and Africa where he participated in battles at Algeria, French Morocco, Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno River, Southern France and Rhineland. He received numerous ribbons and battle citations, in September of 1945, he was honorably discharged. After the War, Guido returned to Worcester where he worked for the City of Worcester, Department of Public Works. He later opened his own business in poultry sales where he remained for 16 years. After closing his business, Guido worked for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 20 years as a compositor retiring in 1978. Guido was a long-time and proud member of the American Legion Post 201 since 1945. Guido's funeral will be held Friday, May 16th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial next to his wife will follow in Mt View Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday May 15th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Members of the Eastside Post 201, American Legion will meet Thursday, May 15th in the funeral home to conduct their ritual. The family wishes to extend their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the staff of University Commons for their compassion and support while Guido was in their care.