Robert "Bob" J. Battista, Sr.

Bob was born on July 25, 1939, to Theodore and Marguerite Battista in Detroit, MI. He graduated from Detroit Catholic Central high school in 1957. Bob is also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (B.A., 1961) and the University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1964).

While at Notre Dame, Bob was in the concert and marching bands where he served as a drum major. He was in the Notre Dame Irish Guard.

Following ROTC training, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and received his commission from the United States Armored Officers School in 1965. He was honorably discharged.

From 1965 to 2002, Bob practiced employment and labor relations law with Detroit firm Butzel Long, representing businesses, multi-employer associations, public agencies and educational institutions. While at the firm, he was part of the commission to rewrite the Michigan State Constitution in the early 1960s. He was a chair of the Labor and Employment Law section of the Michigan Bar Association. A member of the Advisory Committee to the Michigan Employment Relations Commission and was a fellow with the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.

Nominated by President George W. Bush on October 4, 2002, confirmed by the United States Senate on November 14, 2002, Bob began serving as the Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board on December 17, 2002. His term expired on December 16, 2007.

In 2006, Bob was given the Distinguished Service Award by the Michigan State Labor Board. The award is conferred upon an individual who has demonstrated the highest ethical practice of civility and professionalism and is respected by constituents in the labor and employment community.

After he and his wife moved to Naples, FL, in 2019, Bob continued to practice law.

Bob loved to watch Notre Dame sports and was a member of the Detroit Golf Club. He was an avid crossword and Sudoku player.

Bob was a loving husband to Judith Ann Battista (Judnich), father to Robert James Battista, Jr. (Kelly) and Lauren Nicole Oprisu (David) and one grandchild, Isabella Marie Osprisu.

Bob was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, children, granddaughter and mother-in-law Katherine Judnich.

A mass will be held at 11 a.m. on December 21, 2023, at St. Finbarr Catholic Church, 13520 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34114. A burial and luncheon will immediately follow mass at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, located at 525 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34108.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the American Heart Association or Tunnel to Towers.