Anthony L. "Tony" Battilana

After a life full of family, fun, and mirth, Anthony (Tony) Louis Battilana passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after a battle with dementia.
Survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol (Bail) Battilana; his two children Nancy (Panfield) DiNicola, John (Katie) Battilana; beloved grandchildren Panfilo, Mia, and Kira; and niece Mary Rose Amendola.
Preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Rose (Caponecchia) Battilana, sister Carmen Amendola, brother-in-law Joseph Amendola, brother-in-law John Bail.
Tony graduated from Donora High School in 1963. He then attended Pittsburgh Institute for Mortuary Science in collaboration with Point Park College. Tony's initial career path was as a funeral director working for Sperling Funeral Home. He then transitioned to a manufacturer's representative for D.M. Harris Incorporated where he became a business partner with David Harris and ultimately bought him out. Eventually, selling the business in 1999 to retire and enjoy a very active social life.
Tony was a member of many clubs and organizations. He enjoyed hunting and competitive shooting in his younger years which led him to a life membership of both Allegheny Country Rifle Club and Millvale Sportsmen's Club. Tony also had a fondness for riding motorcycles with his friends. He enjoyed riding with the local H.O.G. Group out of Spirit Harley Davidson. There were many trips taken to Daytona, Conneaut Lake, Hazen, Colorado, and the "biggie" The 50th Anniversary Run to Sturgis.
This past month, he received his Fifty-Year Masonic Service Emblem. Tony joined the Donora Masonic Lodge in 1975. Enjoying the brotherhood he then joined the Syria Shriners where he became a member of the Motor Corp. Tony led the Motor Corp as President for a few years, but his favorite was running the Annual Shriner Poker Runs. He found a way to involve everyone, even family members on their days off. In his prime riding days, Tony enjoyed traveling to MASA in Virginia Beach to "shoot the apple" in competitions with the rest of the white bikes. In 2007, Tony had the honor of joining the Royal Order of Jesters.
As if Tony didn't have enough to do in his retirement, he decided to become a Volunteer Sheriff's Deputy. His main duty was to keep children safe by offering fingerprinting at various community events. He enjoyed helping wherever he could.
But Tony's favorite activities involved his three grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them trick-or-treating, playing in the yard, open gifts, attend school activities, or attend their extracurricular activities - even showing up to the never ending practices.
Tony will truly be missed by his family and friends. He will always be a positive memory and a warmth in our hearts. Take a moment to raise a glass (Johnny Blue if you have it) and give this paison a salut.