Ernest B. Battistelli

Born in Manchester on October 20, 1925, he was the son of Benjamin and Bertha (Andrews) Battistelli. His birth was not recorded at City Hall until October 24th, which served as his legal birthday. He enjoyed celebrating both days with his family.

He attended Central High School, leaving at age 17 to enlist in the Marine Corps. He received his diploma at a later date. His Marines service was in the Asiatic/Pacific area including Okinawa on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945. When the war was secured, his unit went to China before returning home. He was awarded two Purple Hearts.

Ernie was employed as a mailer at the Union Leader and served as the head of his union. He was later promoted to superintendent of the mailroom. He retired in 1990 but still worked on a part time basis.

He was a member of the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the Raphael Club, the Derryfield Country Club and St. Peter's Church in Auburn.

Earlier in his life he tried professional boxing under the name of Rocky "The Manchester Tornado" Morgan, but found out it wasn't that easy.

Ernie loved big band music, dancing and riding his motorcycle. However, golf was his passion. He was a very devoted friend to many, especially the good friends he golfed with. He will have tee times waiting for all up above.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

The family includes his wife of 59 years, Marge (Magoon) Battistelli of Manchester; two children, E. Benjamin Battistelli II and his wife, Sandra DeCamp of Manchester, and Cathy Battistelli and her husband, Ron Bessette of Bow; three grandchildren he adored, E. Benjamin Battistelli III of Los Angeles, CA, Elizabeth Battistelli of South Carolina and Casey Bessette of Bow; a sister, Edith Baroody of Manchester; a brother, Albert Battistelli of Manchester and many nephews and nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday March 8, 2008 at St. Peter Church, 567 Manchester Rd., Auburn. Committal prayers with military honors followed in the Shaw Chapel of St. Joseph Cemetery, 448 Donald St., Bedford.

Memorial donations may be made to the "Ernie Battistelli Golf Memorial Scholarship", c/o Citizen's Bank, Attn: Amanda Beegan, 340 Wilson St., Manchester, NH 03103, or to St. Peter Church, 567 Manchester Rd., Auburn, NH 03032.