I received some sad news yesterday. Joseph Battaglini, former Junior Group Head Counselor at Camp Takajo passed away at the age of ninety. Joe was my group leader when I was in junior camp. We can all think back to teachers, coaches, and counselors who have made an impact in our lives, and no matter how much time passes, we remember them fondly. Joe spent thirty years at Camp Takajo.
Somehow, Takajo manages to attract many loyal individuals who devote a lifetime of service to the health and well-being of our campers. Joe was my bunk counselor when I was ten years old, and I remember how he went out of his way to make me feel a part of the Camp Takajo family. When I returned as a counselor at the ripe age of seventeen, I was placed in junior basketball so I would be under the watchful eye of this gentle icon. Joe had a great attention to detail and always put the campers needs ahead of his own.
When it was time for Joe to retire from camp, Morty Goldman, original owner of Camp Takajo, selected me to be Joe’s replacement as Junior Group Head. I was both humbled and honored to be following in the footsteps of this legend. In 2005, I invited Joe back to Camp Takajo so that we could dedicate one of our fields in his honor. Now, when I pass the Joe Batt Field, I will think back to my time with this special individual and hope that I can make a positive impact on our campers, just like he did for me.
Information regarding Mr. Battaglini’s arrangements (link)
Funeral Services (link)
The Joe Batt Field at Camp Takajo
