CAPT A. Robin Battaglini

Captain A. Robin Battaglini, 85, USN (Ret.), died 5 January, 2023 in Alexandria, VA. Originally from Brownsville, PA, Robin excelled in academics and music and was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating squarely in the middle of the “Rise & Shine” Class of ‘59, 17th Company. He used to joke that he was an “85 percenter,” but took seriously the axiom that "perfect is the enemy of done." And Robin was known best for getting grand things done. Whether getting the Navy's battleships out of mothballs, or supplying soldiers and sailors overseas, he made it happen. Robin enjoyed a storied and highly decorated 28 year Navy career; from the Delta of Vietnam alongside the SEALs, to the Atlantic as a "Destroyerman" and Commodore, to the Mediterranean as the Chief of Staff of the Sixth Fleet, to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill as Naval Liaison with the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. After retiring, he joined ITT Corp. as director of Navy Programs. He then leapt into entrepreneurship and founded Battlespace Inc. in 1993, specializing in operations and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems. Robin was a devout, lifelong Catholic committed to exemplary service. He kept an open ear, an open door, and an open mind. His intellectual curiosity, generosity, and faith matched his loyalty to country, family, and friends. He was a skilled strategist and pianist, and as such “played both the white and black keys” with heart and mind. Anyone who knew him recognized his thoughtful demeanor, and that particular head tilt, whenever he heard a tune. He often said “if you’re a musician there’s no such a thing as ‘background music’,” and “anyone can play melody – harmony is the real effort.” He adored his grandkids and the Washington Nationals, frequently noting the former consistently outperformed the latter. Survivors include his wife, Janet Underwood; brothers Dennis (Brenda) and Kris (Nancy); children from his first marriage, Julia (Dave) and David (Kara); stepdaughter Jamie (Michael); grandchildren Peyton and Maya; and niece and nephews, Linda (Fran), Jim and Mike (Julie). He is preceded in death by his first wife, Veronica; his parents, Arnold and Rosemary; and many classmates and dear friends, especially Tony Battista (Doris). Burial service is 4 May 2023 at Old Post Chapel, Arlington National Cemetery at 12:45, with a Celebration of Life reception afterward at Ft Myer, Patton Hall, Koran Ballroom 2:15-4:15 pm. Attendees should arrive at the parking lot for the Old Post Chapel by 12:00pm. Attendees without a DOD ID card will need to stop by the Ft Myer Hatfield Visitor Center to gain a guest pass for access to the base.