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John Batina Obituary
John A. Batina, 88, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away August 26, 2012. John was born in Globe, AZ on June 24, 1924 to Mike and Katica Batina. He grew up in Globe and attended elementary and high school there. John served in the US Army during World War II where he met his wife Loretta. John earned a BA and MA degree from Northern Arizona University and spent the next 33 years as a principal and teacher. He loved teaching, fishing, traveling, softball and just being with friends. John told many entertaining stories. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jesse, and sisters Mary and Mable. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Loretta and numerous loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. John's life will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at SS Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 602-530-6992. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Mortuary.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Batina
Angie Murphy
August 24, 2021
I went to R E Simpson for grades 1-8. I had many teachers in my lifetime but Mr. Batina stood out above them all. He was not only my teacher, he was my mentor, my coach, my 2nd father, my favorite uncle and one of my best friends. He was always there to listen. He left a lasting mark on my heart & always will. Mr, Batina now you can RIP for all your hard work on earth. I´m certain God had a special place for you in Heaven.
Paul Seifert
June 16, 2013
I remember him always opening his room early, so we could do homework. He is one of those teachers you don't and I remember his paddle.
clio murphy-hook
April 25, 2013
I forgot to mention, i was class of 1978. Had Mr. Batina for math. He knew his stuff.
Karen Guffey-Stamatovic
April 23, 2013
I loved you then. I love you always! The best math teacher ever! So blessed to have had you as mine in 7th & 8th gr. at RE Simpson School. Simply the best! Class of 1968
Lois Driscoll Hollander
September 24, 2012
Mr.Batina was a fine man and a great teacher. He taught all of my childen: Dulcie Driscoll Martin, Tim Driscoll, and Mandy Driscoll. Thank you, Mr. Batina, for all you did for children.
Linda Weir
September 21, 2012
My heat and prayers go out to his family. He was a wonderful math teacher and person. He enstilled discipline and knowledge into everyone he touched. He was positive and motivating sometimes intimidating though. He always told us to hold our heads up and be proud. I was blessed to have him as my 8th grade teacher at RE Simpson. the teaching profession lost a great teacher.
Mr Hogatt, Mr Batina & Mr Lesh 1982
Kristen Miller
September 21, 2012
My heart is heavy, for the loss of someone so wonderful. He was a master math teacher, shot put coach, and could spank the best of them. He had kindness & patients; everything was a lesson. RIP my friend.
Christina Cavanaugh (class of 78)
September 15, 2012
Mr. Batina set the standards in my life of what a teacher should be. Sadly, most have fallen short because of his excellent example. To this day i still lean on skills learned in that day. His interest in us as people was genuine. I have valued the time he spent with us after school going over each and every math problem we missed that day and have wished it for my own children. Teachers just don't invest that much time anymore. He took me aside before graduation and wanted me to know that i had been in the running to do the graduation speech but that he felt that my shyness would make it unpleasant for me. He just wanted me to know that i did have what it takes skills wise and to never give up. It was a great kindess to me to let me know. His life and work made a difference and he will be greatly missed by many.
Deborah Alyea (Kelling)
September 15, 2012
Mr. Batina was a wonderful teacher whose presence demanded respect and whose compassion taught us character. Rest in Peace.
RoseLia Norwood
September 12, 2012
Thank You, Mr. Batina~May You Rest In Peace
RoseLia Norwood
September 12, 2012
Mr. Batina was my Math/Algebra teacher @ R.E.Simpson. I have great memories of Mr. Batina. He was stern, but had a great sense of humor. He did have a fatherlike figure impression for me as well and his true care in my education~I, wholeheartedly, believe I had the BEST teachers and I am grateful. May Loving Grace surround the Batina Family, Friends during this time and always.
Sincerely,
RoseLia Norwood
Mary Murphy
September 9, 2012
Mr. Batina sir: You will always be the most amazing human being that I have ever known. Your grace and love will forever be in my heart. Thank you for for shating your love and wisdom. Mary Murphy. Class of 69.
Rob Lovell
September 8, 2012
Fond memories of my childhood rushed back after I learned of the passing of Mr. Batina. I attended R.E. Simpson Elementary from kindergarten through 8th grade. Mr. Batina, among a few other teachers, were assigned not only continue my education, but prepare me to move on to a much larger and scarier world called high school. A stern disciplinarian,, but a very fair and caring teacher. Mr. Batina was a favorite of mine and many other of my classmates
Thank you for your guidance, sir. Rest in peace.
Keith Peterson
September 7, 2012
Mr. Batina always acted with kindness, justice and good humor. Imperceptibly, he taught us those virties along with the algebra. I'm proud to have had him for a teacher. [Robert E. Simpson Class of '68.]
Michael Pfeiffer
September 7, 2012
I had a very special experience with Mr. Batina about fifteen years ago while working for SWG I just happened to knock on his door and when he opened it we both looked at each other for only a second before we said each others name, he still recognized me. it was amazing now taking to this person who had such an affect on my life at a young age and now as an adult seeing and getting to know just how extraordinary of a person that he was. I truly think he knew just about every persons name that ever whet through his classes. I felt how much it meant to him to find out that one of his students in High School was doing really great in what he had part of in there lives. It was two hours of my life again with him I will never forget. Bless you and may you rest in peace. A I M P
Dulcie Driscoll-Martin
September 6, 2012
Mr. Batina was one of my most favorite teachers. What I remember best is that he, Coach and Mr. Hoggatt would be at the corner of field each day greeting us as we came in. One morning he said to me "Don't ever put your head down, keep your head up Dulcie you have a lot to be proud of." He was so much more than a teacher. I am so grateful that he was part of my life. May he rest in peace.
clio murphyhook
September 5, 2012
He also taught my sister Eilis,class of 1980. May he rest in peace.God bless his family. He was a wonderful man.
Sharlene Yabe
September 4, 2012
It's heartwarming, and no surprise, to see Mr. Batina impacted the lives of many other students as he did with me. I struggled with Math (and still do) and anything I could help my own daughter out over the last couple of years were what I learned from him.
He was also an incredible humanitarian, offering to pay for my glasses if my mother couldn't afford them, and if he made a mistake, he was never above apologizing.
And when I went back to Simpson to visit, he was the only teacher who mattered to me if I saw or not.
What a remarkable gentleman and a friend to so many. All of us were blessed to have him impact our lives so deeply and frankly, I've missed him since I graduated in '78.
Blessings to his entire family. Life seems a little dimmer without his unique light in it.
Kathleen Ashing
September 4, 2012
Mr. Batina, what a wonderful math teacher we had in 7th and 8th grade. My sisters and I attended his class and always enjoyed him as a teacher. It was amazing how good his hearing was when you thought you could get away with something but he always knew what was going on. He was such an inspiration in sports also. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Here's a strike for you Mr. Batina!
Dee Dee Murphy
September 3, 2012
What an honor and blessing to have known such an amazing man. Teacher, friend, and coach, Mr. Batina was all that and more. Many fond memories come to mind all the way back to fourth grade for me when he took me by the hand and made me a softball pitcher. When my brother Steve and I got to 8th grade, our most memorable times with Mr. Batina was going to his classroom before school started each morning and visiting with him. That special one on one time was always the highlight of our day. He was the best math teacher one could ask for. And the best Softball coach, pushing me to be the best athlete he believed I could be. Holding that broom over the home plate while making me pitch the softball until I hit it everytime gave me a whole new meaning for the use of a broom! I am glad I had the opportunity to visit with him and his lovely wife Mrs. Batina these past years, and tell him what a blessing it was to have him in my life, and to thank Mrs. Batina for sharing him with so many of us that to this day honor him with the utmost respect. Yes indeed, an amazing teacher, friend, and coach you were Mr. Batina. May you rest peacefully now, knowing you left this world a better place by being a part of it. I'm sure my sweet brother Steve is smiling up there in heaven with you! Class of 73!
Dan Palmer
September 3, 2012
Mr. Batina was an awesome teacher and mentor who would never let his students quit. When you couldn't figure it out in math he'd go the extra mile to help you better understand. Thank you Mr. Batina for being there for all of us when we needed you and thank you to his family for sharing a wonderful man with us. All of you are in our prayers.
Bonnie Smalley De Leon
September 3, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Roslyn Bechtel-Nuzzi
September 3, 2012
Mr. Batina was a wonderful teacher. I had him for 8th grade Math and he always gave the extra mile. He made a positive impact on all boys and girls he had the pleasure to teach. God Bless!
September 2, 2012
Mr.John Batina was by far one of the BEST
TEACHERS I ever had.. I saw Mr and MRS BATINA at IHOP with CLIO MURPHY doesn't seem that long ago still holding hands like they were on their HONEYMOON such an AWESOME thing to witness. Spoke to them both was WONDERFUL to see him again after all those years.. I must share he was the ONLY TEACHER I got a swat from back in the day FOR CHEWING GUM in CLASS. I still remeber what he said to me before he had to give me the swat, he said and I QUOTE "You know this is going to HURT ME MORE THEN YOU?" What an AWESOME MAN AND TEACHER.. Love you MR BATINA..RIP..
David Stevens
September 2, 2012
I enjoyed learning from Mr. Batina. Math was one of my favorite subjects (yes, I'm a bit weird), and he was a strong influence in that area. May he rest in peace.
Paula Brandt Eriksen
September 2, 2012
I was lucky to have had Mr. Batina for 7-8 grade Math. He had that rare combination of being strict and caring for his students. He pushed us to be the best we could be and I will always remember him. Prayers for his family. . .
Mary Ann Johnston
September 2, 2012
You didn't just learn math from Mr. Batina, you learned life skills. I only hope Mr. Batina knew what an impact he had on so many lives as teachers really can make a difference. I will always have fond memories of this memorable man. Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angles sing thee to thy rest. MA Johnston
Susan Sheehan
September 2, 2012
Mr. Batina was the best, most patient teacher. My condolences go to his family. I plan to attend the memorial at Saint Simon and Jude Cathedral.
Susan Isabella Sheehan
Carla Liljedahl
September 1, 2012
A good teacher now in heaven thanks for teaching me math I use every day. Robert E Simpson 8th grade grad 1973.
Kathi Woodley (Rich)
September 1, 2012
Although I didn't know it at the time, Mr. Batina taught me some great life lessons during math class. You were a class act Sir!
Cynde Tomson Bollinger
September 1, 2012
Math was not my forte but when I did get an answer correct, he made me feel good about myself, if not by his words then by his smile. He was a strong presence at Robert E. Simpson and a well loved teacher. Thank you Mr. Batina!
Tom Christmas
August 31, 2012
There are very few people who will enter your life and make a difference in your lifetime.Mr.Batina was always changing lives for the better.Thank you for changing mine.....
Bonnie Lewis-Lucas
August 31, 2012
As my 8th grade math teacher 38 years ago, Mr. Batina changed my life. He taught me discipline in sports that took me through high school and college and through my career. I am successful directly because of his influence in my early childhood development! I also remember and an thankful for the many 530 am mornings that Mrs Batina took me to high school for volleyball practice. I am sorry he is gone, but rest assured he left a legacy and this world is a better place because of him.
Mary Ann
August 31, 2012
Mr. Batina was a rare teacher that loved not only his subject matter but also truly loved and cared about his students. Whenever I remember my years at Simpson School with my friends, Mr. Batina always comes up as our favorite teacher. Now he has become one of our favorite angels in heaven. You will always be remembered Mr. Batina.
Jackie Thompson-Munds
August 31, 2012
Prayers for the Mr. Batina family. He'll be greatly missed. I have great memories of him being the strict teacher with a canny sense of humor and a contagious smile at Simpson who only wished for his students to achieve success in their education. I'm happy to say that he was one of my favorite teachers of all time!
Cindy Enslen (Ribble)
August 31, 2012
I will always remember my teachers at Simpson as they were very vibrant and lovable characters but Mr. Batina was easily one of the most memorable. He was the quintessential ex military math teacher who was very stern (and sometimes intimidating!) but very caring at the same time. I hated math and was not good at it but Mr. Batina took the time to help me through it. He was like the father you wanted to impress and when you got that praise it was the best thing ever! I hope that these remembrances give his family some sort of comfort during this difficult time as his memory has, and always will, live on fondly in so many hearts of his Simpson family as well.........
Sharon Tope - Grassi
August 31, 2012
Both my brothers, my sister and I had the pleasure of attending class with Mr. Batina. He was an iconic teacher who was loved and respected by his students. When reminiscing with Simpson alumni, many teachers have faded with the years but everyone remembers Mr. Batina. His memory lives in the hearts of the students who were privileged to sit in his class.
August 30, 2012
Mr Batina had a very big impression on me...One of my favorite teachers...he always used to stop in our hardware store to see my Brother Barry. He was a very kind and special person.
Carole Kazan-Mandino
August 30, 2012
Mr. Batina had a great impact on my life and those of others. He was a wonderful teacher who was very aware of everything that went on in his classroom. Thank you for believing in all of us Mr. Batina. You made an impact in this world. Class of 72
Dana Dudley
August 30, 2012
Mr. Batina was a wonderful teacher/man. I always felt loved and respected by him. His stictness would sometimes scare me but he was great at listening to me as well. Loved him!
Betty Berry-Wester
August 30, 2012
I was so lucky to have been taught Algebra by Mr. Batina. He was such a wonderful teacher, taking such pride in his students and his job. He also took time to coach the girls volleyball team and he was awesome.
As a student, he made me feel so proud of earning an A in his class....it was a real achievement. When the lightbulb would come on....and everything clicked....his smile was the best! The world has been a better place with Mr. Batina in it.
Betty Berry-Wester
1978 Mr Batina and Sandy Berry in front of his classroom
Sandy Berry
August 30, 2012
Mr. Batina was a wonderful human being and an amazing teacher. Those of us fortunate enough to have been afforded the opportunity to say we were one of his students know just how his human nature was a gift. We learned math from him, but more importantly we learned respect and dignity. Some of us learned the hard way what respect and dignity was, but no one can say that their lessons were not earned. He was a true legend at Simpson, a man whose place is etched in the hearts of many who will forever hold him near and dear.
God bless John A Batina and God Bless his family for sharing him with us.
Sandy Berry
Class of 1978
Darrel Williams
August 30, 2012
Wow Mr.Batina was a great guy ,had his math class.allway's loved hanging around his class room after class and school .he was Super cool teacher tough,and had a heart as big as arizona
Dan MacLeod
August 30, 2012
Mr Batina put us into the math stratosphere in highschool.Every teacher knew who was from RE Simpson. Spending afew visits with him in my adulthood confirmed what I'd allways suspected. A wonderful man.Descanse en Paz amigo
Jeff Bentley
August 30, 2012
I grew up hating math, and to be honest, I still do. But I loved John Batina. That alone ought to tell you how great he was at being a teacher. His "job" went far beyond whole numbers, variables, and exponents. He was interested in every part of my school life and championed me when I finally found my athletic niche - high jumping. In my academic experience, most teachers are tolerated, some are respected but the number who are universally loved by their students is miniscule. John Batina was one of those. God Bless you Mr. Batina. Enjoy your eternal reward. With love and admiration, Jeff Bentley, class of 1973.
Ted Kampe
August 30, 2012
Mr. Batina is one of the few teachers that had an impact on my elementary school years, he was dedicated and fair. May he rest in peace!
Jim Stevens
August 30, 2012
Mr. Batina was my 8th grade math teacher at Robert E. Simpson Elementary. I will always remember him as tough but fair. He was dedicated to educating even those of us who didn't seem to show any particular aptitude for mathmatics. I currently have a BS and have taken Calculus and Physics. Thank you Mr. Batina.
Evelyn (Salas) Valenzuela
August 30, 2012
Mr. Batina was a wonderful, caring teacher...Always one of my favorites. Rest in peace, Mr. Batina.
Gina Counts
August 30, 2012
Thank you for your dedication to educating so many. Many wonderful memories of Mr and Mrs Batina
Counts family
Gina Counts
August 30, 2012
They don't have teachers like him anymore. What a fantastic person.
Tamara Morken (Willis)
August 30, 2012
Mr. Batina was a great teacher and had a wonderful impact on so many! May good memories help his family in healing.
Rochelle Baldwin
August 30, 2012
Mr. Batina was a great math teacher he will be missed. Prayers goes out to the family and friends.
Tony Padilla
August 30, 2012
He was a great teacher with a good heart. When I think of grade school, he is one of the first teachers that comes to my mind. He had a significant impact on my educational experience. He will indeed be missed!
Janice Masei
August 30, 2012
I will always smile when I think of Mr. Batina. He was an amazing teacher that had a life long impact on so many students. I am forever grateful that I was one of those students.
Peace
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