Obituary of Robert W. Battiste
Robert W. Battiste, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at his daughter’s home in Warren, NJ. Born in Newark, NJ Robert grew up and spent most of his life in Union, NJ. Robert graduated from Union High School in 1961 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.
Robert spent most of his career as a CPA in various capacities until his retirement in 2012. Robert was a member of several accounting associations, including The National Society of Accountants.
Robert was very religious and had attended both Holy Spirit RC Church and St. Michael’s RC Church in Union, NJ, where he married his wife Janice C. Kiernan in 1973.
However, Robert’s main passion, “The Happiest Music on Earth”, was the preservation and rehabilitation of carousels and band organs. He was an active member of the COAA (Carousel Organ Association of America), The National Carousel Association and Music Box Society International. Robert had a deep love and appreciation for these works of art which he shared with his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years Janice C. Kiernan-Battiste, a son Robert T. Battiste and his wife Shannon K.; two daughters Heidi A. Battiste and her fiancé George A. Arathorn and Heather J. Azzinnari and her husband Francesco; three grandchildren Robert D. and Skye K. Battiste and Dante F. Azzinnari; his sister Bonnie J. Hunt who predeceased him in 2005.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2021 from 2 to 6 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A mass of the resurrection will be held on Monday at 11 am at Our Lady of the Mount RC Church, 167 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ. Followed by interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Belleville, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to The Carousel Organ Association of America at COAA Donations, Gregory Swanson, Treasurer, 209 Circle Lane, Webster, NY 14580-1303.
