Youngstown - There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Christine Church, Youngstown, with Father John Ettingar, officiating preceded by a 12:15 p.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, for John Mario Battaglia Sr., 67, of Youngstown, who passed away at his home, peacefully early Sunday morning with his loving family by his side. John will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends for his smile, and all the stories and jokes he loved to tell. He was born May 20, 1947, the son of Mario and Lucy (Crater) Battaglia and was a lifelong area resident. John was a 1965 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a member of St. Christine Church. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam War. While in the Army, John was a member of the Navy School of Music. John was employed with the Youngstown Fire Department as a fireman for many years; he also was the owner and operator of numerous bars throughout the Youngstown area one of which was the New Affair for over 20 years. John was also accomplished musician playing accordion and keyboard since the age of 15. He started his own band "The New Affair", which played all over the Youngstown area offering wonderful entertainment for everyone. He had such a passion for music he would also give private lessons to share his talent with others. John had many talents throughout his life and some of his enjoyments were fishing, boating, and socializing with his friends. He was very family oriented and always put his family first. He loved going to his grandsons sporting events and was a great cook and baker of all Italian dishes and pastries which many will miss. John was an avid sports fan and his favorite teams were the Cleveland Indians and Browns. He leaves behind to hold on to his precious memories his beloved wife of over 27 years the former Mary Beth Luba, whom he married on June 6, 1987, four children whom he adored John M. (Jennifer) Battaglia of Canfield, Brian (FiancAC.e Julie Fisher) Battaglia, Jennifer Battaglia and Mia Battaglia all of Boardman, his four grandsons which were the apple of his eye, Mario, Andrew, Alex and Anthony, a sister Marilyn (Larry) Long of Youngstown along with a host of friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Carmel Ann Long. Friends may call on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home 4700 Market St., Boardman. Burial will take place at Lake Park Cemetery, Youngstown, where John's service to country will be honored by the great men of the Trumbull County American Legion. Material contributions may be made in John's name at any Farmer's Bank Location listed under "For the benefit of John Battaglia". Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Battaglia family. John's family would like to express their sincere Thanks to Dr. Joseph Yurich, the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Knight and the Hope Center, Hospice of the Valley along with all the many relatives and friends that showed their support and help during his illness.