Vincent James Battista

Vincent James Battista, 89, of Mechanicsville, formerly of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina died November 29, 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis M. Battista. He is survived by his son Barry P. Battista and his wife, Tammy of Mechanicsville; two grandchildren, Kelly and Kevin Battista; and a sister, Anna B. Anna. Mr. Battista was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and George Washington University. A native of Pennsylvania, he was a percussionist in the United States Army Band in Washington D.C. for 29 years. During that period, he played cadence for 12 hours during the funeral for John F. Kennedy. His drum is memorialized in the American History Branch of the Smithsonian Institute. Subsequently, he was employed by the Internal Revenue Service for 15 years serving in Northern Virginia, Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Mr. Battista also played percussion in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra during the mid 80's. The family will receive friends Thursday, December 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Atlee Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Rd. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.