Thomas G. "Tom" Batta

Thomas G. "Tom" Batta
October 6, 1942 – October 30, 2025

Thomas G. "Tom" Batta, age 83, of Farmington, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, after a courageous fight against ALS; he was surrounded by his loving family who loved him dearly.

Tom was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to Blaine J. and Mary (Novak) Batta and raised in Conneaut, Ohio, where he excelled in both athletics and academics. He graduated from Conneaut High School in 1960 and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Kent State University in 1965 and his Master's Degree from the University of Akron in 1971.

On May 29, 1965, Tom married Elizabeth "Liz" (Sundstrom) Batta at Mother Cabrini in Conneaut, beginning a 60-year marriage grounded in love, faith, and family.

Tom's lifelong vocation was teaching and coaching. His career began at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio (1965–1967), and then became Head Football Coach at Warren G. Harding High School (1968–1972). Under his leadership, the 1971 team went undefeated (10–0) and secured their first Ohio Class AAA State Championship - a career highlight that reflected his dedication, discipline, and love for the game.

He went on to coach collegiately at the University of Akron, University of Colorado, University of Kansas, and North Carolina State University. Later, he extended his coaching career to the National Football League, serving as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings for 10 years and additional years with the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers. After his retirement, he continued to wear his coaching cap for his grandchildren's activities and was referred to lovingly as "Coach T".

Known simply as "Coach" to so many others, Tom's true calling was developing character in young people - teaching teamwork, accountability, and perseverance both on and off the field. He was deeply respected by his players, colleagues, and fellow coaches, many of whom credit him for shaping their lives and careers.

Beyond football, Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished time with his wife Liz; sons Jeff Batta (Jane) of Lakeville, MN, and Tom Batta (Amy) of Watertown, SD; and adored his six grandchildren - Zach, Chloe, Grace, Max, Sam and Ryanne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Blaine and Mary Batta, and his brother, David Batta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Farmington, Minnesota with visitation prior to the service.

Livestream Link: http://www.watchitlivestream.com/t-batta

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to:
ALS Association:
1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22209
https://www.als.org
Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA):
533 W. Uwchlan Ave,
Downingtown, PA 19335
https://www.curefa.org

"He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7