Rosemount, Minn. – Richard L. “Rick” Battaglia, 64, of Rosemount, Minn., formerly of Marlborough, born Oct. 13, 1952, died Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 at home unexpectedly and after a period of heart-related illness over several years.
He was the son the late Louis and Lena (DiFranco) Battaglia (died 2007 and 2008) of Marlborough.
He leaves his wife, Wendy Richardson; his only son, Louis B. Battaglia of Aurora, Colo.; his sisters, Carol A. Latt, of Greenbelt, Md. and Lorraine A. Sharon and her husband Arthur Sharon of Marlborough; his brother, James R. Battaglia and his wife Jane, of Blackstone; and his former wife, Judy A. Battaglia of Minnesota. He also leaves two grandchildren, Louis Battaglia Jr. and Lyric Battaglia, and three nephews, Christopher A. Sharon, Brian J. Sharon, and many other cousins, extended family, and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Vincent and Ann (DiNatale) DiFranco of Somerville.
Rick was educated in the Marlborough school system. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school and was a 10-year veteran, serving in Okinawa, Japan and San Diego, Calif., before settling in Minnesota.
He owned and operated Rick’s Automotive, a repair business in Rosemount, for over 40 years. He was well-known for his advanced auto mechanic skills, such as reconstructing vehicles, replacing engines, and assisting his customers with their vehicle repairs during the bitter cold Minnesota winters.
He played the trombone in the Marlborough High School band, and, as an avid musician, later played drums in a local band.
Rick enjoyed many hobbies, including fresh-water fishing, constructing and flying model airplanes, collecting Popeye character memorabilia, and selling estate sale goods on E-bay, and enjoyed socializing with friends.
Special thanks to the VA staff, Dr. Bertog and Dr. Lauck, who took such good care of him.
Services were held Nov. 11 at the Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home, Bloomington Chapel, Bloomington, Minn.
