Vincent Rocco Battista

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vincent Rocco Battista, lovingly known as Vinny. Born on January 31, 1939, to Tomasso and Rosaria Battista, who immigrated from Italy, Vinny was the youngest of 11 siblings and grew up in Newton, Ma. In the family home that spanned generations.

Sharing a home with ten siblings- one room for the boys, one for the girls, and a single bathroom- created an unbreakable bond among them. The stories of their childhood are legendary, passed down through generations, and still told with laughter and admiration today. Although he was the baby of the family, Vinny was wise beyond his years. A natural mentor who cared deeply for his many nieces and nephews, each of whom adored him.
In 1957, Vinny entered the military, proudly serving in the Air Force where he was stationed in the frigid plains of Greenland, working in the motor pool. In letters (recently discovered) sent to his sisters, he spoke mostly of his love for his family and the harsh weather. He was honorably discharged, receiving the Good Conduct Medal of Honor in 1961.

Upon his return to the States, Vinny pursued a career in the plumbing industry and went on to become a master plumber, working alongside his brothers, Richard and Robert, at R&R Battista Plumbing in Newton, MA.

During this time, Vinny married Leona LeBlanc and became a father to his loving daughters, Kim-Marie and Monica-Lee.

Work was Vinny's passion and he dedicated himself to helping people through his craftmanship in the kitchen and bathroom restoration business. In 1982, his dream of becoming a business owner was realized when he and his brothers opened Monique's Bath Boutique, now known as Monique's Bath Showroom, located in Watertown, MA. Through his expertise, dedication and mentorship, Vinny became a widely respected, and somewhat iconic figure in the industry, known for his integrity, knowledge and generosity. Evan after retiring at the remarkable age of 80, customers still ask for him by name-his reputation remains unparallel.

Vinny's greatest love came in Josephine St. George, whom he married on New Year's Eve in 1985. Their love story was nothing short of a fairytale, carrying them through 41 years of
wedded bliss, 38 of which were spent in the town of Belmont, MA. Before the relocated to South Florida in 2022. There they enjoyed sunshine-filled days overlooking the 16th green and taking in the beauty of nature outside their lanai.

In 1995, Vinny embraced a new role as legal guardian to Jenna Forbes, age 6, Jojo's great niece. Jenna gained a loving father figure and she and Vinny shared a deep connection. In his final years, Jenna and Vinny spoke almost daily.
Despite his strong and dedicated work ethic, Vinny also lived life to the fullest. As a longtime member of Oakley Country Club, he and Jojo built lifelong friendships and created unforgettable memories. Vinny was the life of the party and will forever be remembered by his Oakley family with heartfelt love and great stories.

During winters, Vinny and Jojo became "snowbirds," traveling to the sunny isles of Florida where they made many new and lasting friendships most notably, they found a second home at the Pompano Beach Club, where Vinny enjoyed playing cards, lounging by the pool and entertaining their friends with his flirtatious and loveable nature.
Anyone who knew Vinny knew that he could sing! His song of choice was "My Way." There was never a time it didn't bring the house down and the women in the crowd to tears. Among all his many talents, he had a beautiful voice, and he was incredibly charming.
Vinny became a grandfather in 1997 with the birth of his first granddaughter, Cassidy Jean. Soon after, he got the boy he'd always wanted when his grandson, Michael Vincent, was born in 1999. In 2002, Vinny was there to greet his next granddaughter, Collette, as she arrived in the States from China with his daughter Kim and her husband Bud. In 2004, Vinny was again there to greet and welcome home his final granddaughter, Catherine, upon her arrival from China to her forever home in his family.

Vinny took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow and thrive over the years. He was so proud of their individual accomplishments and loved hearing about the stories of their lives. His grandchildren, like all of us, wish we had more time with him.

To know him was to love him... and we do.

With broken hearts, we say farewell to our loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend. He leaves us with wonderful memories and fantastical stories.

Vincent is survived by his wife, Josephine Battista; his daughter Kim-Marie Miller, her husband, Bud Miller, their daughters Collette and Catherine Miller. Daughter, Monica Battista and her children, Cassidy and Michael O'Hagan, Jenna Forbes and many nieces and nephews.

Rest in peace, Vincent Rocco Battista.