Philip M. Battaglia

January 18, 1935 - August 17, 2014 Long time Santa Ynez Valley resident Philip M. Battaglia died suddenly on August 17 at the family's cabin at Priest Lake Idaho, while on vacation. He was 79. In a statement, the family said: "He was a very loving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He loved to talk about our activities, ideas and interests, and delighted in spending time with us. He gave us wise advice and enthusiastic encouragement. We know he enjoyed a full and active life right up until he passed away. Though we miss him greatly, we take tremendous solace in knowing that he truly lived life to the fullest." A lawyer, he was still active in his real estate law practice and in residential and commercial development in California, Idaho and Washington. Phil was born in Los Angeles where he attended Loyola High School, the University of Southern California, and the USC School of Law where he served as president of the Law School student body. He joined the Los Angeles law firm of Flint & McKay after graduation. He also proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force JAG. He later served on the USC Board of Trustees, and as president of the Trojan Barristers and also the USC Law School Alumni Association. He was a member of the Los Angeles Chancery Club. When serving as president of the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, he was recruited to co-chair the first Reagan for Governor campaign. As Governor, Reagan asked Battaglia to serve as his chief-of-staff, a post he held until returning to his law practice at Flint & McKay. He retired as a partner in the law firm of Sidley Austin Brown and Wood. With a lifelong compassion for assisting civic and community causes, Battaglia served as Mayor of Rolling Hills; was active in supporting the school at St. Lawrence of Brindisi church in Watts; was founder and past president of the Watts Youth Center; past president and board member of the Solvang Theaterfest; and past board member of PCPA Theaterfest Foundation. Phil is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lorraine; Karen and Steven Sloan of Orland, CA; Steve, Jacqui, Lily and Zoe Battaglia of Venice, CA; Kristen, Andrew, Callum and Estelle Murray of Los Olivos, CA; and Scott, Debbie, Sierra and Braeden Battaglia of Spokane, WA. His love of music and theater will be fondly remembered, especially by his grandchildren, who enjoyed his piano and accordion renditions of show tunes and the Trojan Fight song. A funeral Mass for family and friends will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 5 at the Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang, followed by a reception at the Andrew Murray Vineyards in Los Olivos. The family respectfully suggests gifts in Phil's memory go to the Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St, Solvang, CA 93463 theaterfest@verizon.net or St. Lawrence of Brindisi, 10044 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323)567-1439.