O. WILLIAM BATTALIA

BATTALIA--O. William (Bill),

a Boston-born and New York-bred family man, business owner, and man of faith, died on May 25, 2017, in Larchmont, NY. He was 88 years old. Bill died peacefully in his sleep, with family, and loving caretakers, at his side, said Dolores Battalia, his wife of sixty years. In 1963, Bill founded, Battalia Winston International, an executive search firm with headquarters in New York City. In 2013, the firm, with offices across the world, celebrated fifty years as a leader in the industry and continues to be named one of the top search firms in America and abroad. Bill attended seminary prep school in Brooklyn and graduated with a degree in theology from Cathedral College. After enlisting in the Army, and serving with peace keeping forces in Germany during the Korean War, Bill returned to New York City and received an MBA from Columbia University. He worked for several large firms, including ITT, before starting his own company. Bill's time in Germany ignited a lifelong love of travel, including visits to China, Russia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, where he created partnerships leading to an international consortium of executive recruiting firms. Fundamentally, Bill was a teacher, offering his insights and experiences to colleagues, family, and many adolescents during his years leading CCD classes (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) and as an active member of CFM (the Catholic Family Movement). Retirement opened new opportunities for Bill to share his skills and wisdom. He spent time in Zimbabwe, through the International Executive Service Corps, helping two young women launch a start-up recruiting firm. Bill served on the Board of The Guidance Center of Westchester. He spent almost two decades as a significant contributor to, and leader of, the Senior Corps of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E) of White Plains offering free, hands-on advice and assistance to individuals looking to start their own businesses. He is the author of a book titled The Corporate Eunuch that challenges business executives to change their perspective. A completed memoir of his life and experiences remains tucked in his desk drawer. Bill is survived by his wife, Dolores Anne Battalia, his children, Stephen Battalia (Beata Wolniewicz), Julienne Battalia (Giacomo Sturniolo), Lisa Battalia (Rob Mahoney), Christina Battalia (Oliver Maggard), Gregory Battalia (Bonnie Battalia), and Paula Brand (Jason Brand), his grandchildren, Michael Battalia, Alessandra Battalia, Alaya Battalia, Tamira Vojnar, Matthew Anthony, Caroline Anthony, Connor Mahoney, Myles Monaghan, Sarah Monaghan, Liam Monaghan, Caroline Maggard, Olivia Maggard, Ella Battalia, Andrew Battalia, and his sister Patricia Cunningham. A Memorial Mass in celebration of Bill's life will be held on Thursday, June 29th, at 10 o'clock in the morning at St. Augustine's Church, Larchmont, New York. Family will be receiving friends immediately following the service at the Larchmont Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory can be made to The Jansen Hospice & Palliative Care, 670 White Plains Rd., Suite 213, Scarsdale, NY 10583.