Obituary of William B. Battista

William (Bill) Battista of Brooklyn passed away suddenly on September 13, 2025.

Bill was born in Brooklyn, NY, on February 27, 1970, to Kathleen (Redpath) Battista and William Vito Battista.

A proud graduate of Xavier High School, Class of 1988, Bill went on to study Criminal Justice at Seton Hall University. While there, he joined Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and earned his degree in 1993.

Following in his father’s footsteps as a police officer, Bill joined the United States Park Police in 1996. Over the course of his distinguished career, which spanned 25 years until his retirement in 2021, he received numerous honors, including the United States Park Police Chief Certificate for Outstanding Police Service, the California Office of Traffic Safety Avoid DUI Campaign Enforcement Award, and the United States Park Police Commander’s Award.

Bill spent much of his adult life in San Francisco, where he married his wife, Rochelle. They shared nearly thirty years together, building a meaningful life filled with love and experiences. Although their paths later diverged, that time remained a significant and cherished part of Bill’s journey. 

After retiring, Bill chose to return to New York to be closer to his parents and spend more time with them in Breezy Point, NY. 

Beyond his service as an officer, Bill was deeply passionate about rugby. Beginning in 2014, he coached for the Marin Highlanders at both the middle school and high school levels. He went on to serve as Head Coach of Women’s Rugby at the University of San Francisco, where he was recognized as Coach of the year for the 2018–2019 season. Bill later coached the UC Davis Women’s Rugby team before returning to New York, where he continued to dedicate himself to the sport through coaching roles with New York Rugby Club, Columbia University Women’s Rugby team, and most recently, St. Joseph’s by the Sea High School and Columbia University’s Men’s Rugby team.

Bill is survived by his brothers, Robert (Laura) and Brian, and by his beloved nieces, Kristen, Ava, and Mia. He will be remembered for his dedication to service, his love of sport, and his unwavering devotion to family and community. 

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly requests donations be made in memory of Bill to Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy, The Ability Experience, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. https://www.abilityexperience.org/about/

If you would like to send flowers in loving memory of William, please contact Floral Fantasy of Bay Ridge to place your order. Please CLICK HERE to be directed to their website or call, 718-238-6978. 

Service Information: Bill’s wishes were to be cremated. A wake with Bill’s urn for a memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 21st, 2025 from 2-5pm and 7-9pm at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Rd
Brooklyn, NY 11234.

Funeral Mass will be on Monday September 22, 2025, at 11am at St Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, 204-25 Rockaway Point Blvd, Breezy Point, NY 11697.