Growing up I was blessed to have my big cousin Richard who was more a big brother than my cousin. I remember when my little league team was invited to an awards dinner for being district champs. Unknown to me also at that dinner was my big cousin Richard with his championship team. I was so excited that I was at the same awards dinner that I immediately jumped up and ran over to him. I had to introduce him to all my teammates. It was one of the proudest moments I can remember. Richard you rocked and will always be a in my heart. Love you cuz

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My condolences to the Battaglia family. Rich was in my Mother's Boy Scout Troop in Oak Park. Our troop was invited to the Howdy Doody show to be in the Peanut Gallery, it was Rich's parents that arranged our transportation to and from. At our Troop's graduation ceremony the other Scout Troops in the Chicago area held an athletic competition at Hatch Elementary where we attended grade school. Our Troop took the best overall competition thanks to Rich's athletic abilities and his Million dollar smile of confidence to our Troop. Never will forget the time Rich took my baseball cap, Rich said "you can have it back "if" you can catch me" I gave it my all, could not catch Rich, Rich could peddle a bike fast through the streets of Oak Park. I had to wait when he came home for dinner, we laughed and his Million dollar smile of confidence was bright. We were fortunate to live in Oak Park at that time were the parents encouraged and supported youth activities. My Mother thought a lot of the Battaglia family because of their commitment to education, youth programs and a commitment on family values. Rich was a winner in life and his family benefited from a "authentic" father as a roll model. Rich will be missed by anyone that knew him. Again, my condolences to the Battaglia family.

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My sincere sorrow and condolences go out to My cousin Richard's immediate family. I will always carry the fond memories of the good and bad times we shared together as kids growing up . As we turned into men with families of our own, the pride of what the Battaglia name stood for became ever apparent to the both of us and a source of great strength. Even though we have not been in touch for over thirty five years, my love and admiration for you never waned. Rest in peace my dear cousin.....

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Bates So Sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and the family.

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Sam, Bates, Anthony, my deepest condolences to you and your family at this time, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad, I truly have great memories of your Dad from the time in oak park and you were born, the greatest quality your Dad, he always made me feel a part of his family. I'm truly sadden by this, but he's in good company with his mom and dad and your your uncle "Sammy Boy " Take care, you and your brothers are in my prayers and thoughts, Matthew Cronin

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Dear Sam and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. May God console you as you grieve and may he strengthen your faith in his power over death. Sincerely yours, Fr. Peddicord

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Anthony, Bates and family...I’m Praying for you and your family during this tough time. May each day that goes by help you heal a little more from the loss of your dad. He will never be replaced, never be forgotten and the memories you have will never be taken away.

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Bates, I’m so sorry for the death of your father. I’ll be praying for you and your family. Jessie Lanier

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I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Richard's passing....my heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with all the Battaglia's. I enjoyed the times I spent with Rich and Denni sharing so many stories of his childhood and also the antics of his children when they were young. He loved his children so much, and he will be greatly missed.

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My condolences to Sam, Bates, and Anthony on the your loss of a great man and father.

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So sorry for your loss Anthony and your family’s loss.Prayers and Hugs

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From Fred Atwood

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Sue and I send our deepest condolences to Rich's family. I know their hearts ache as do all of ours who knew him well. Rich and I met in high school and became good friends during freshman year playing football at OPRF. That friendship remains a part of me. There were so many times that we would be dounbled over laughing about something that just happened. I will never forget his infectious laugh and his smile that would light up a room. He was always in the middle of whatever was going on at any given time, and would find humor in so many things. At our 50th reunion we re-connected and though we had not seen each other for many years, it seemed as if nothing had changed. He had a way of making everyone so comfortable. Our memorial on Zoom lastnight was a great tribute to a terrific friend. He will always be in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace my friend! Fred Atwood

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To:66 60 years where did the time go. 60 years of being my best friend. good or bad we were always together. rest in peace 66 Love you, Charlie 55

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