Batastini Jr., Armando Emilio,
was born September 3, 1930, to the late Armando Sr. and Katherine (McCann) Batastini. His paternal grandfather, Emilio Batastini, was born in Barga, Italy, and his paternal grandmother, Annie (Nelson) Batastini, was born in Sweden. His maternal side of McCann/O'Neill has roots in Ireland. Armand, as he preferred to be called, lived his entire life in the Elmhurst/Mt. Pleasant section of Providence.
In 2019 the Armand Batastini Recreation Center in Providence was named in his honor because of his lifetime of public service. Armand coached youth basketball, both boys and girls, for 63 years. He coached at the high school and recreation levels but primarily at St Pius parish where he won numerous State and New England CYO championships. Over the years he coached countless All-State recipients and collegiate players. For his record and dedication he was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Sons of Italy Hall of Fame. He was also named CYO Man of the Year.
For countless years Armand served tirelessly on the Elmhurst Little League Board of Directors. Together with his daughter Christina they sponsored a youth baseball team. On any given day one could find Armand at Fargnoli Park talking with and encouraging youth. Over the years he mentored thousands of young people.
Additionally, Armand served as State Representative from the Elmhurst/Mt. Pleasant and North Providence areas from 1976 until 1992. In his 16 years at the Rhode Island State House he was House Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the Children's Code Commission. He championed legislation for senior rights and gifted education. He was awarded the Hubert Humphrey Public Service Award for his legislation for seniors. He worked fastidiously on the Senior Citizen Bill of Rights. Armand was named to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Children and Youth for his work with education. He was bestowed the honor of earning the Institute for Arts and Humanities Award.
Armand graduated from St. Pius School, LaSalle Academy and the Massanutten Military Academy. He then earned his BS and MEd degrees by attending Brown University, Providence College, and Boston University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957 aboard the USS Hickox. Also, Armand worked tirelessly for the Providence School Department for 37 years in Student Services and specialized in improving student attendance. The amount of time he spent visiting students' homes and co-working with parents is incalculable.
Armand leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Mary Elizabeth (Mongeau), aka "Cookie," his son Armando III (his wife Kara and son Lucien), his daughter Maria (her son Paul Joseph and daughter Emilia), his daughter Laurie (her daughter Olivia), and his daughter Christina (her daughter Ryanne).
He was loved by everyone and will be missed by all. To this end a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Private services will be held at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the Providence Recreation Support Fund Re: Armand E. Batastini Jr. Recreation Center, 11 West Drive, Providence, RI 02904.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal from Apr. 16 to Apr. 17, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Armando Batastini

Sponsored by Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home - Providence.

31 Entries

Vin Cavallaro

April 10, 2025

It is 5 years since Armand passed but he is still here with me every time I watch a baseball or basketball game. I watch PC play and a player commits a turnover and I can hear him say"Never go in the air except to shoot". Words to play by. RIP

Dr. Vincent J. Cavallaro

April 10, 2023

Armand has been gone 3 years. I read the entire guest book before writing this entry. There is nothing left to say about this wonderful man in our lives. All I can say is when I watch a PC basketball game or a baseball game I say to myself what would Armand do . Would he press, play a zone, bunt , etc. He is always sitting beside me and he usually is right.

Vincent Cavallaro

April 10, 2021

When Armand died my classmate Jim Mc Getrick said Armand Changed his life. He changed all of our lives Jay Carty, Judge Steven Nugent, Tom Berrigan, Bobby Berrigan, Fr. Ken Letoile,Lou Lanni, Hank and Bob Gambardella, Steve Lynch and many many more. He has also changed peoples lives like our childres. We taught our children what he taught us. Play hard, never, never ,ever quit , respect your opponent , never take them lightly and always respect your team mates. RIP Coach.

Michael Salomone

April 26, 2020

Christina and the entire Batastini family - Maggie and I would like to send our deepest sympathies to you, you mom and the entire family. I cant tell you how happy it would make me to see your dad in the gym whenever I would drop Maggie off for your workouts. Our conversations were always great and memorable. He would tell me about games and players from so many years ago, like it happened the day before. Basketball has been very good to so many of us! We hope that many of these stories will help you and the family through this very difficult time

Frank Geiselman

April 24, 2020

Christina and the entire Batastini Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences on the passing of Armand. I was saddened to hear the news. He touched so many individuals and all of us are better for having the opportunity to know him.
Thoughts and prayers for the entire family.

John Carty

April 21, 2020

Armand demanded that his players learn the fundamentals of sports. He exhorted them to practice like perfect. He asked them to do no more than he would do. He touched many young lives and helped to develop the youth culture in the Elmhurst/ Mt. Pleasant/ St. Pius / Kennedy community! He also supported athletics at RI School for the Deaf!

Steve Tamborelli

April 21, 2020

My condolences to the Batastini family. I played midget basketball for Coach Batastini in the early 70s at Kennedy (Nelson St) school and learned a lot about the game and sportsmanship in general from those short years. One memory sticks out - I think Coach had a small car, maybe a Carmen Ghia, at one point and he would jam the starting 5 and a big bag of basketballs into that little car for a ride to a tournament in Whittensville MA for a couple years. I think we actually one the tournament one year! Many years later I had a chance to meet Coach in a professional capacity and got to see something other than Coach and we had fun reminiscing about the old times. RIP Coach Batastini.

Johnny Emma jr

April 20, 2020

My Sympathy goes out to Maria , David and Family on the Loss of her Dad . A Coach that Everyone would Appreciate.

The Casey Family

April 18, 2020

We are saddened to learn of the loss of our friend and neighbor. Coach Batastini's loss will be deeply felt by all who knew and admired him.

Michael and Nancy Voccola and Family

April 17, 2020

Armando and Family:

Nancy and I are saddened to learn of your Dad's passing. By all accounts he was quite a man.

We hope that your pleasant memories of him provide you all with comfort in the times ahead.

Jay Carty

April 17, 2020

To the Batastini Family,
I was saddened to learn of Armand's death. He was a coach, teacher, mentor and an inspiration to all who loved basketball and those who wished to learn more about the game. But Armand taught more than basketball, he taught the value of discipline, hard work, preparation, perseverance and the rewards of success. In other words, he prepared young student athletes to become productive adults. On behalf of generations of former players, thank you Armand for your sacrifices, contributions, and encouragement to succeed. Thank you family for sharing him with us.
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Your sorrow is experienced by more people than you know. Although it is sad to say good bye, it was a gift to have known and played for Armand. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jay Carty

Fr. Kenneth Letoile, OP

April 17, 2020

I played for Armand in 1960-61 at St. Pius. The program he established, intramural, midget and grammar allowed me to grow into a sport that I played into my 50's. In 1989 I had the gift of returning to St. Pius as a Dominican friar. I was then in a position to provide pastoral support to St. Pius's young athletes and personal support for the coach who did so much to help me on my journey to priesthood.
During those years we invited Rick Barnes, then coaching the PC friars, to speak at our annual mass to start the basketball season. Coach Barnes asked our players "What kind of player do you think Jesus would have been?" Coach Barnes answered his own question by saying that "Jesus would have been the kind of player who made everyone on his team better."
I am honored to preside at Coach Batastini's final prayers and graveside committal and to represent all those who, like myself, became better people because of his service to family, youth, parish and community. I close with the words of St. Paul to Timothy: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.(2 Tim 4:7)
Fr. Ken Letoile, OP

Ron Johnson

April 17, 2020

My sincere condolences to the entire Bastastini family. I referee many of Armand games in the seventies and eighties. But the best part being at the Old Timers Tap with Armand as he shared his wisdom of the x and o of basketball. RIP ARMAND

Ron Johnson

April 17, 2020

To Mary,Armand,Maria,Laurie and Christina

My condolence to all,
It was a pleasure knowing Armand as many will attest.
Armand may have started out as your coach but the truth is he wound up being your friend for life. The St Pius Family will truly miss him.
James Gaudet

Mike Reeder

April 17, 2020

To Christina and the Batastini Family,

I was very saddened to hear of Armand`s passing,
One of the first leagues that when I started officiating basketball was the Providence North CYO league. I had the privilege of meeting Armand who was coaching at that time. He spent most of his life interacting with the youth of Providence instructing them in basketball. Armand always put the kids first. I personally learned from Armand, a very important lesson, that it is more important to give then to receive. He will be truly missed by all who knew him
Mike Reeder.

Jim Cooney

April 17, 2020

My condolences to the Batastini family on Armand's passing. He was a good friend and great coach and advocate for young people. His players were always well schooled in the fundamentals of basketball, especially man to man defense. I enjoyed coaching against him, and we became good friends.
Armand was one of a kind!

Jim Cooney

April 17, 2020

Condolences to the Batastini family on Armand's passing. He was a good friend and a great coach. His teams were always well grounded in the fundamentalsof basketball, especially man to man defense. I have many pleasant memories competing against his teams, and developing a close relationship with him.
He was one of a kind, and positively affected the lives of so many. May he rest in peace, and his family be comforted.

Sylvia and Anthony De Luca

April 17, 2020

Dear Mary and family,
My wife,Sylvia, and I,extend our deepest condolences ,on the loss of such an illustrious husband,father grandfather,athlete , coach,and State Representative.
Exemplary in every way,his light of goodness will shine forever,and be a beacon for others to follow,and emulate.

In short ,there never was a better human being ,or public servant ,than Armand Battastini.

With deepest regrets and sincere condolences,Sylvia and Anthony De Luca.

Krystle Cook

April 16, 2020

Sending my deepest condolences to Maria, Christina, and the Batastini family. Armand was a hero in the community and a legend in the game. He taught me so much more than basketball, the fundamentals, and how quickly to execute them. He instilled core values that have followed me all my life. It was a privilege to have known him and a divine blessing to have played for him. May you rest in eternal peace and love, Armand.

Patrick Lenihan

April 16, 2020

Condolences to Armand's family. He was my JV Coach at St. Ray's in 64-65 basketball. He was an excellent coach and an even better person. I will keep both him and his family in my prayers.

Jim McGetrick

April 16, 2020

To the Batastini family, I am so sorry for your loss but know you had so many wonderful years with "the Beefer". A true legend in the RI sports scene and beyond. I have said this many times, including to Armand, but when he put a basketball in my hands when I was 11 years old he changed my life and very much is responsible for any success I have had since then. He taught me lessons that went far beyond sports - to believe in myself and others, to care about my teammates and later to care about my players the way he cared about me. He made a tremendous impact on generations of kids from St Pius and Elmhurst. The remarkable thing is how much he gave and how little he asked in return. The world would be a much better place if there were more Armand Batastinis. RIP my mentor.

James and Laurie D'Ambra

April 16, 2020

Dear Cookie and family, we are very saddened to read about Armand's passing. He was committed to his family and community! Everyone would agree that his life was complete and at all times he was a true friend and gentleman. He leaves a rich legacy of family, friends, and commitment to the community and Providence Public Schools. However, he will be most remembered for his commitment to youth and basketball.

During the 1976 election we spent many hours campaigning jointly and shared many laughs, and we were both successful even though I had my doubts about both of us being successful! Laurie said that his commitment to youth made her job as child advocate much easier as he headed up Children's Code Commission and Shepard many a bill for her.

Again our heartfelt sympathies to you Armando and the girls, he was so proud of all of you .

Jim and Laurie D'Ambra

Elizabeth Morancy

April 16, 2020

My sympathy to all of Armand's family. I sat beside him in the House of Representatives. We had many conversations regarding our mutual commitment to improve the care for children in the custody of the State.

April 16, 2020

To the Batastini Family,

I am very sorry to hear about Armand's
passing. We were great friends and worked together at Providence College basketball camps in the 70's. He was a terrific guy and while in the legislature sponsored a citation in my name honoring my basketball career as a player and coach at PC.

I will always have a soft spot for him and will pray for him and your family

God Bless and RIP Arm...
Sincerely, Vic Collucci

Ray Brown

April 16, 2020

To the Batastini Family: My deepest sympathy is extended to you at this difficult time. I was pleased and privileged to have known Armand in many different capacities, beginning with our early days of youth coaching. His drive, spirit, and dedication to the task was second to none. He was, and always will be, a positive influence in so many lives. May he Rest in Peace.

Ray Brown
City of Providence
Director of Recreation (ret.)

April 16, 2020

To the Batastini Family,
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. I consider myself, and I know I speak for my brother John, extremely blessed by God to have played for Armand. I like to think my story and how it involves Armand is unique but in reality it probably isn't. Suffice it to say I would never have played college basketball if it wasn't for him. The influence he has had on the youth of the Elmhurst and Providence communities will live on in the years to come. My faith tells me he is in the real hall of fame right now and giving the good Lord an earful on how to break the press, how to go back door, the importance of getting loose balls and rebounds, and asking why he didnt get that call against St Pats. Before every game we would say a prayer and end it with "Our Lady Queen of Victory pray for us". I know she is praying for you now because she was certainly praying for us then. Danny, John and the Reilly Family.

April 16, 2020

To the Batastini Family, My prayers go out to your family during this time of berevement on the death of someone so special as Armand. I served with Armand in the General Assembly. He was always a caring person and was concerned about the needs of others. He loved basketball and especially coaching youngsters.Although he is gone from this earth he will remain in the hearts of those he influenced and loved forever.
Anthony"Red' Ferraro West Palm Beach, Fl.

jack capobianco

April 16, 2020

great guy...my coach and my friend...rip

Charles Kelley

April 16, 2020

Armand was a Legend in the elmhurst Neighborhood and Kennedy recreation center 50 years ago. With his booming voice commanding the basketball court, he was scary to many young kids. You soon learned there was a soft inside to his rough exterior. Armand cared about kids and people. Armand pursued his ideas and help for others with a dogged determination. He had a no nonsense direct approach on the court and off the court, no excuses, he was after results. My career was started as a state employee with Armands help. I can't help but smile when I think of Armand. One of the unforgettable characters and good guys i'll always remember from my Elmhurst childhood

Bob Fuoroli

April 15, 2020

God will take care of Armand, Armand has served him well....I played CYO baseball for Armand back in the 50's for St Pius...Going to the State finals at MC Coy stadium...I big thrill for all of us....I went on to play baseball in HS, College and semi pro..Armand was the best coach I ever had, he gave me confidence and the opportunity to prove myself, the lessons I learned from him provided me with the motiviation that I needed to be a success in life...he truly was a gift from God, his guidance, friendship and support will always be close to my heart...God Bless...Bob Fuoroli

Dr. Vincent J. Cavallaro

April 15, 2020

I met Armand in the 5 th grade at St. Pius School. He was my coach , mentor, advisor and proably my second father. He had a great smile but never used it until after a game ,if we won.

From October to March it was basketball. April to June CYO baseball and June to August American Legion baseball . He taught us how to play, how to compete and he always would tell us " Don't be a Hot Dog." He made sure we treated each other with respect and dignity and that is why after all these years I still love my teammates. When you played for him you were now in his "Fraternity ". All the kids that played for him were Armand's boys and we still are and always will be.

I will never forget you RIP.

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