Vincent John Battista III

Vincent (Vince) John Battista III, passed away peacefully at Elmbrook Hospital in Brookfield, WI., on Friday, September 19th.

Mr. Battista was the son of Dr. Vincent and Mary Battista of Flower Ave. in Watertown, N.Y. Vince attended St. Patrick’s grade School and then Immaculate Heart Central (IHC) High School. He graduated from Jones College in Jacksonville, FL., with a business degree. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army Medical Reserves Corps.

Vince had a long, successful career in retail, starting as the Assistant Manager at Howlands Department Store in Watertown, N.Y. He eventually became the Store Manager at their location in Peekskill, N.Y., where he met his future wife, Leslie Dillin. Following his stint at Howlands, Vince became an Executive for Stewart’s Department Store in Maryland, where he and Leslie were married in 1981. He subsequently became the Regional Director for Casual Corner Stores, where he was in charge of 400 stores. Mr. Battista later became CEO of Smalls Tuxedos, and finished his retail career as Regional Director for Barnes & Noble College bookstores.

Vince and Leslie returned to the North Country and settled in Sackets Harbor, N.Y., where they owned and ran a gas station convenience store. As a native of Sackets, Vince served as Mayor for four years, sat on the town board of Hounsfield, and was also President of the Sackets Harbor Fire Department (S.H.F.D.).

For many years Vince and Leslie enjoyed traveling to Aruba and Europe. More recently they were able to spend much of the winter in Florida.

Vince loved his garden and spending time at the lake. Some of his happiest times were being busy with his brothers and sisters, his nieces and nephews, and his parents, William and DeAnn Borath. He also took great joy in being “Grandpa” to his godson, Bill.

He is survived by his wife, Leslie and his siblings: Mike and Debbie Battista, Joseph Battista and Pamela Schultz, Mark and Daphne Battista, Mimi Allen and Keith Sasso, and Beth and Kevin Moylan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was very much loved by all.

Donations may be made to the Sackets Harbor Fire Department or the Italian American Club in Watertown, N.Y.