Battista was born on October 1, 1916, in Endicott, New York. He attended high school at Union-Endicott School in the mid-1930s. Controversy arose in 1936, when other schools refused to play Union-Endicott due to questions of Battista's eligibility.[3] He played college football at Florida, joining the school in 1937.[4] Following his senior year of 1940, he was named to the Associated Press All-Southeastern roster.[5] He was subsequently selected in the 1941 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, as a 7th round pick,[6] but opted not to pursue a professional career. He spent 1941 and early 1942 as a college assistant coach. In June 1942, he was drafted to serve in World War II as part of the United States Army.[7] He achieved the rank of lieutenant while in the Army. He also was line coach for a military service football team.[8] In 1965, Battista, now a captain, was awarded the highest medal of honor in the country of Panama for his humanitarian services.[9] He died on November 2, 1984, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 72.[10]
