On Sunday morning, August 31, William Warren Battelle, 85 years old, passed away peacefully. Bill is survived by his wife of 31 years, Shoko “Sue” Battelle of Rutland, her six children, their spouses, and many grandchildren.

He is also survived, from his first marriage to Theresa M. Fiore (1927 – 2004), by his son William Jr. and his wife Cathy of Leicester, and daughter Mary Jane DeLuca and her husband John of Franklin, as well as his brother Richard and his wife Jean Battelle of Worcester and many nieces & nephews.

On Monday August 19, 1929, the third of four sons to Frederick A. and Marie A. (Roberts) Battelle was born. His older brother Joseph “Bunny”and his younger brother Leonard “Chubby” predeceased him. Bill lived in Worcester for fifty years before moving to Spencer and then Rutland where he spent the last several years of his life. He worked several jobs as a youngster including as a stock boy and a bowling pin-setter. Later on, “Hot Rod” worked as a fork lift operator at Wyman-Gordon for fifteen years and with the Worcester Bus Company and subsequently the WRTA as a bus driver from 1965 until retirement in 1996.

A man who enjoyed simple pleasures, whether it was playing cards or sharing stories, it seemed he had an endless supply of jokes to tell and only sought an approving smile from everyone he met. He was an avid magician and was a past chapter president of the Society of American Magicians for MA in the 1970’s.

As it was Bill’s wish, formal calling hours and ceremonies are not offered. His family would like to thank the Rose Monahan Hospice staff for their love and care he received, and in lieu of flowers, that a contribution may be made to the VNA Care Network & Hospice, 10 Judith Rd, Worcester, MA 01602. His funeral arrangements are under the direction of FAZIO FUNERAL HOME, directors, Louis M. Fazio Jr. and Louis M. Fazio III.