Michael Anthony Battista

Michael Anthony Battista, 58, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, formerly of Meadville, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, December 2, 2016.

Michael was born in Meadville, on November 11, 1958, a son of Dorothy L. (Hollabaugh) and the late Burton "Bus" Battista.

He graduated from Meadville High School, where he was an extraordinary athlete. Michael played amazing baseball and football all under the coaching of his devoted father. He also enjoyed cooking wild game with great recipes passed down by his lovely mother. Michael was an avid fisherman and hunter. He truly loved nature and all that it was. He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Michael had a gentleness that would light up a room and his strong spirit made him who he was. He had a love for Christ and his faith was always in his soul. Michael was a member of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church under the ministry of dedicated and loving Pastor Tommy DeRosalia and his wife Joanie.

In addition to his mother, Dorothy Battista, Michael is survived by a daughter Amanda Harkness of Erie, sisters Shelly (Steve) Ricke of St. Cloud, FL, Chrissy (Todd) Giliberto of Meadville, nieces Jenna and Jordan Ricke of St. Cloud, FL, and nephews Matthew Gotto, Rocco Giliberto and Gino Giliberto all of Meadville, several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother Dominic Battista, maternal grandparents Clarence and Margaret Hollabaugh and paternal grandparents Michael and Catherine Battista.

Michael will be deeply missed and his memory by family and friends will continue to be apart of us.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 2-4 PM at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where a Memorial Service will be held at 4 PM with Pastor Rich King of Living Waters Church officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, c/o Tommy DeRosalia, 5555 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com