On May 22, 2025 Victor Battaglia Sr. shuffled off his mortal coil. He was 2nd youngest of ten children of Bruno and Carmella Battaglia – Joe, Nick, Rose, Dominick, Katie, Nettie, Ellen, Francis and Basil Battaglia (survives) and Annie who passed in infancy.
Dad was born in 1931. He learned hard work and concern for others in the family grocery store. He attended St. Peters school and later Salesianum High School, both right down the street. He graduated Sallies in 1951, attended the University of Delaware graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry, 1955. He attempted medical school but his nausea at the sight of blood convinced him to go to Law School, Georgetown University J.D. 1958, LLM 1959 and was a Samuel Williston Fellow 1958-1960.
His law career spanned 65 years +, always in Wilmington. He went solo for a little then expanded to include Gary Aber, Esq. and Thomas Sandbach, Esq.
In 1967 at the urging of then Mayor “Harry” Haskell (Deceased) he became City Solicitor 1969-1972. During that time, he worked to quell the violence. At one point he was held hostage and convinced his captors to get him some cigars.
After that, he partnered with Jack Biggs III (deceased) until Jack’s death. At its height Biggs & Battaglia boasted 15 attorneys. As time went on some went into their own practice, joined larger firms, went on the Bench or passed-J. Michael Johnson, Esq.
He liked the action and liked being in charge (a beneficent dictator). Everyone was close, the law was general practice and everyone was busy-Dad saw to it.
The man worked 7 days a week-he slowed down on Sundays to attend mass, maybe.
During his “off time” Dad was indefatigable. His public activities included, Highland Community Council Member, Chairman, Delaware State Bar Association, Attorney for the State Senate, Govender’s’ Commission of Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice, Alcoholism Task Force, Corrections Council of Delaware, Member of the Delaware Agency to Reduce Crime, Judicial Nominating Council of the State of Delaware, Chairman Farmers Bank ,Commission of the State of Delaware, Board of Governors, Chairman- Board of Trustees-Delaware Technical & Community College, Member- Board of Trustees, Salesianum School, Chairman- United Way General Campaign, Member-Delaware Higher Education Commission, House Capital Campaign, Member- Advisory Board United Negro College Fund Chairman, Alexis de Tocqueville Society-United Way, Board of Directors-Delaware Chapter of the American Red Cross, American Red Cross-Co-chair of the Development committee, Trustee of the Grand Opera House, Co-Chairman Albert Einstein Tribute Committee, Trustee of the Delaware Art Museum, Trustee of Christiana Hospital , Member Awards Committee-American Heart Association.
His Professional Activities and Awards are legion and space does not permit their mention. However, he was very proud to receive the Governors Order of the first state in 2021 and being inducted as an Honorary member of the Salesianum Hall of Fame.
It was always his honor to serve.
The 1999 loss of his son Christopher and 2021 loss of his wife Toni left him inconsolable.
He is survived by his eldest son Victor (Sara-jean) Battaglia; his grandchildren Rachel and Marc and Step grandchildren Katlyn Pascorz (Dennis) and Evin Stephens and step great grandchildren Trinity Rose and Anthony whom he got to enjoy, along with the children and grandchildren of his brothers and sisters.
We wish to express our grateful appreciation to his nephews Bruno Battaglia(son of Dominic and Nancy) and Francis Battaglia(son of Francis and Emilia) for their loving and kind caretaking. Also, the family wishes to express its appreciation to the men and women of Accent Care Hospice in the Wilmington Hospital.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Saint Elizabeth’s High School, Salesianum High School, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic, Medical Society of De. Or any other charitable organization you wish.
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