Robert E. Battis

GREENWICH — On Feb. 17, 2025, the world said goodbye to a man whose laughter was as infectious as his spirit was inspiring. Robert “Bob” E. Battis, born on Sept. 17, 1935, in Amesbury, Massachusetts, to the late, George and Laura “Milly” (Burke) Battis. Bob lived a life filled with humor, dedication, and a love for his family that knew no bounds.

A natural-born storyteller, Bob had a knack for spinning a yarn that could leave you doubled over with laughter one moment and deeply moved the next. His jokes were the highlight of every family gathering, and his passion for UCONN Basketball and local high school sports added an extra layer of excitement to every game season.

Bob served his country proudly in the United States Army as an expert marksman from 1958 to 1960. He was part of the 1959 rifle team that won the Prix LeClerc competition in Germany. He was a man of many talents, and he applied his dedication to everything he did. He was born on a farm and spent most of his life in agriculture. He was a nutritionist for over 30 years at Blue Seal feeds, becoming a familiar and friendly face to all he encountered. He was a member of the Guernsey Cattle Club and the Holstein Association, and showed dairy cattle in 42 states and in Canada. When he was young, he was part of the Box Car boys, who cared for show herds on trains as they traveled the country.

Even after retiring, he continued to work part-time for NAPA Auto Store in Greenwich, a testament to his tireless work ethic. But work was not his only passion. A proud member of the Battenkill Country Club, Bob was an avid golfer and recorded two hole-in-ones with his cadre of golf buddies. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and dancing with his beloved wife, Nancy.

However, what mattered most to Bob was his family. He was the loving husband to his wife, Nancy Battis; a dedicated father to his children, Dave Battis, Leslie (David) Battis and Susan (Robert) Battis; a doting grandfather to Daniel Cronin, Lydia Beers, and Sean Battis; and a proud great-grandfather to Izabella Cronin. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Peckham, and her three children. His love for his family was a beacon that guided him through life.

As Mark Twain once said, “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.” Bob embraced this idea, blending his love for work, hobbies, sports, and most importantly, his family into a life that was rich, fulfilling, and inspiring. His jokes, stories, and infectious laughter will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

Family and friends may pay their respects to Bob and his family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Flynn Bros, Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St., Greenwich, NY, 12834.

His memorial service will be held the following day, Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow his service at 11:30 a.m. at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY, 12834.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Easton-Greenwich Rescue Squad, PO Box 84, Greenwich, NY, 12834.
We invite all who knew Bob to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page at www.flynnbrosinc.com. Let us come together to celebrate a life that was filled with laughter, love, and a dedication that inspired us all.

Latest News

Congressional budget omits Millerton wastewater grants
North East Town Hall on Maple Avenue in the Village of Millerton.
Archive photo

MILLERTON — Town Supervisor Christopher Kennan had some bad news to share at a regular Town of North East Board meeting on Thursday, March 13 — $3.2 million in wastewater grants were dropped from the continuing resolution Congress was considering.

The next day, the Senate passed the stopgap measure to avert a government shutdown.

Keep ReadingShow less
Serino highlights Dutchess gains as officials press for EMS, funding solutions

In her March 11 address to county residents, the focus was on the fiscal health and wellbeing of Dutchess, but some officials felt county executive Sue Serino missed the mark by avoiding such topics as funding cuts and other concerns.

Photo Provided

HOPEWELL JUNCTION — On Tuesday, March 11, Republican county executive Sue Serino took to the stage at John Jay High School to deliver commentary on Dutchess in her State of the County address.

The evening began with a welcome by Wappingers Central School District superintendent Dwight Bonk and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dutchess County sheriff Kirk Imperati. Ava Dvorak, a senior at John Jay, offered her rendition of the national anthem followed by an invocation from Reverend Dr. Edward L. Hunt of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The Evergreen Chapter of Sweet Adeline’s International performed “God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American)” with the Roy C. Ketcham High School Step Team closing out the pre-speech segment of the evening with their “Formation” demonstration.

Keep ReadingShow less
Northlight art show opens at Historical Society Gallery
One of a dozen artists participating in the Northlight Art Center’s 14th annual student exhibit is Cathleen Halloran, above, who paused for a photo by one of her several works on display. The opening reception at the Sharon Historical Society’s Gallery on Saturday, March 15, brought out a robust group of local art fans.
Leila Hawken

Fans of fine art filed into the Sharon Historical Society’s gallery on Saturday, March 15, for the opening reception of student works from the Northlight Art Center in Amenia, New York.

Northlight was founded in Sharon by Pieter Lefferts in 2010 and later moved to Amenia. This is the 14th year of the annual student exhibit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Century Boulevard redevelopment session focuses on parking options
Century Boulevard’s redevelopment will be partially funded through the Hudson River Green Community Planning Grants Program and the Northeast Dutchess Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — Residents along with nearby neighbors of Century Boulevard received a second presentation of plans to redevelop the village thoroughfare.

Much of the meeting, held on Saturday, March 15 at the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex, focused on parking options that were presented by Brandee Nelson, a senior project manager for Tighe & Bond of Rhinebeck.

Keep ReadingShow less