Rudolph A. Battaia

Rudolph (Rudy) Angelo Battaia, 93, died February 1, 2008 after a brief
illness. Rudy was born in Central City and raised in rural Colorado and
Denver. He served in the United States Army during World War II. In
1947, he married Dorothy, his "Yellow Rose of Texas". Rudy was preceded in
death by two brothers, Albert Battaia, Henry Battaia and grandson David
Masters. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; two sisters, Frances Perry and Virginia Brickman; one sister-in-law, Emily Battaia; children, Helen (Mike) Masters, Kathryn (Kenneth) Deprez, James (Barbara) Battaia, and Mary Battaia (Andre Roy); four grandsons; three great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Rudy, a baker by trade, opened "Rudy's Bakery" in the early 1950's and later sold it to finish out his career at Safeway Cake Plant in Denver. He retired in 1976 to garden, fish, make wine from the grapes he grew, and watched football.

Rudy enjoyed ice skating and hiking in the mountains, but he most loved
being with his family especially his grandchildren. Each year he cultivated
a garden, and shared all he grew with family and friends. In the winter
he shoveled the walks of numerous neighbors. His quiet, gentle demeanor, ready laughter, and mischievous sparkle will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Samaritan House, P.O.
Box 173861, Denver, CO 80217, or to a charity of choice.