Daniel Joseph Battaglia

August 5, 1918 - December 15, 2012

Dan was a beloved husband to his loving wife, Josephine Gangitano Battaglia and they were married for 71 years. He was born and raised in San Diego. He was a Tuna Boat captain and retired after 45 years of fishing. During his retirement, he pursued his passion of gardening, cooking and playing the keyboard organ. He also hand crafted models of the boats he sailed (Electra, Starcrest, and Atlantic Oceanmaid) as well as many other purse-seiners and proudly displayed them in his home. He was a proud member of the Italian "Fish Mongers" where at the Hall of Our Lady of the Rosary the members would gather to prepare amazing food to share and reminiscent with the elder tuna fisherman about past trips and travels of the seas. His family was truly blessed with his culinary skills on Sunday dinners where we all gathered around the table enjoying his fabulous meals which incorporated the vegetables from his well tended garden. He was a self taught organist, reading music and playing for family and friends since age 60. He is survived by his wife Josephine and their 6 children, Mary Baker, Joe Battaglia, Franci Graf, Diana Forcier, Anthony Battaglia, Peter Battaglia, 12 grand children, 12 great grand children and also his brother Tommy Battaglia. He blessed us all for 94 years and will be greatly missed but never forgotten. A viewing and rosary will be held on Thursday, December 20th from 5:00 -7:00pm at Merkel Mitchell Mortuary on 5th Ave. A Funeral mass will be held Friday, December 21st at 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Rosary followed by interment at El Camino Memorial, 5600 Carroll Canyon, San Diego. In Lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made in Memory of Daniel J. Battaglia to Sharp HopsiceCare Fund P.O. Box 1750, La Mesa.