Joseph Anthony Battistone

Joseph Anthony Battistone, 84, of McMurray, formerly of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in Ridgecrest of McMurray, surrounded by his son and loving family, after a brief battle with vascular dementia. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Born January 28, 1942, in Muse, the fifth of six children to Domenico and Mary (Napolitano) Battistone, Joe lived a life marked by faith, kindness, devotion and steadfast love for his family. He lived every God given day to the fullest. He graduated in 1959 from Cecil High School then enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a seaman recruit on August 19, 1959, serving 4 years as a CS3 aboard the USS Stribling DD-867. Joe was proud of his military service and wore his Navy baseball cap everywhere he went. On June 12, 1965, Joe married the love of his life, Eileen O'Ross, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage before her passing September 7, 2024. Joe lovingly cared for Eileen throughout her years-long battle with dementia. Together Joe and Eileen raised 2 children, Matthew and Renee. He was a faithful member of Corpus Christi Parish (St. Mary's Church) in Cecil, and a former member of Holy Rosary Church in Muse. Joe's faith was important to him; he leaned on it in times of struggle. Joe spent his working years as a respected substation coordinator for West Penn Power, retiring in 2004 after 37 years of service. When not working, Joe enjoyed tending to his large garden and, along with Eileen, spent hours canning the fruits of his harvest. What wasn’t canned was generously shared with family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking in his shed during the summer months and learned most of his skills from his longtime friend and neighbor, Terry. Joe was proud of his Italian heritage. He lovingly carried on the traditions of wine, sausage, and pasta making passed down from his parents, Domenico and Mary. Every fall, without fail, family members would gather first in Domenico's basement in Muse then later in Joe's own basement on O'Hare Road in Canonsburg to crush and press the grapes or make delicious Italian sausage. Joe always made sure there was plenty of homemade sausage for the annual Battistone family reunions, and you could count on a nice glass of wine whenever you visited. With these labors of love came many laughs and an abundance of love that will live on in the hearts of Joe's entire family. Joe was a member and former treasurer of the Muse Independent Italian Club, where he helped with fish fries and tripe and spaghetti dinners. Thursday nights were reserved for bowling with his son where he often held the position of league president and captain of his team. Afterwards, Joe and his son would share a few beers and camaraderie at the Muse Italian Club with their large circle of friends. Joe had an immense love for his grandchildren, Matthew and Angelina. He and Eileen supported them in every venture, never missing a soccer game or dance recital. He looked forward to fish Fridays with Angelina, followed by spending Saturdays with Matthew, which often led to late morning naps. These special moments spent with their grandfather are priceless reminders of his never-ending love for them. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted and loving son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Joliene and their children, Matthew and Angelina, of Finleyville; daughter, Renee (Mark) Linn of Florida; sister Mary (Norman, deceased) Bourg of McMurray, formerly of Muse; Frank (Donna) Battistone of Bryant, Ark.; brother-in-law, Ed O'Ross of California; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, who will all miss their uncle terribly. Also, surviving are many other family members and friends who all played an important role in Joe's life. In addition to his parents, Domenico and Mary, and his beloved wife, Eileen, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Anna, who died in 1939; his loving brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl (Ruth) Battistone, and Dominick (Rochelle) Battistone; in-laws, John and Marian O'Ross; nephew, Jeffrey Battistone; a niece, Lisa Battistone Brown and her husband, Chris; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, September 7, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, LFD owner/supervisor, 304 W. Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 8 at Corpus Christi Parish (St. Mary’s Church), Cecil, with interment following at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions, in his memory, to: Corpus Christi Parish (St. Mary's Church), 10 St. Mary’s Lane, Cecil, PA 15321 or Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 2835 E. Carson Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Joe had a personality as large as life and a heart of gold to match. He was selfless and humble, a steady presence in the lives of his family. He had an easy-going nature that was a joy to be around, and his robust, friendly spirit touched all who had the pleasure of knowing him. There will never be another like him. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.