Harry Cornelius Battin, Jr.

Harry Cornelius Battin, Jr., 88, of Owings Mills, MD, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at his home. Born on May 10, 1931, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Harry Cornelius, Sr., and Dorothy May Battin. He was the beloved husband of the late Rachael Barbara Battin, who passed away in 2004.

Harry grew up in Ardmore, PA in suburban Philadelphia. He served in the United States Navy from 1951 - 1953. He then graduated from Saint Joseph's College in Philadelphia (1957). Harry married Rachael Loratto Battin in 1958 and began raising the Battin family and building a career after settling in Newtown Square, PA. Harry became a leading systems analyst with the Atlantic Richfield oil company (ARCO) holding key roles during company acquisition and mergers, and numerous other major company projects, including the "Alaskan Pipeline" and the introduction of natural gas as an accessible commodity.

In 1975, Harry and Rachael moved the Family west to Southern California and became longtime residents of Claremont, CA. There he and Rachael made many dear and lifelong friends. As his family grew up and expanded, the Battin Sunday dinner became the weekly essential gathering for the family--precious to all who could attend. Battin family parties were also fabulous affairs, attended by many friends and extended family members. The primary attraction for all of us to attend these Battin social events and family meals was the absolute and unconditional love that Harry and Rachael both presented everyone who attended. That along with the fabulous food and the fun that we had.

Harry retired in 1987 and enjoyed his family, friends, and traveling the world with his beloved wife Rachael. During this time, he became a board member of the Claraboya Association and served as their newsletter editor for many years. In 2007, Harry relocated back to the Philadelphia area after losing his precious wife Rachael. He lived in Pottstown, PA until the untimely death of his eldest daughter Brenda Bruno in 2015. Since 2015, Harry lived in Owings Mills, MD with daughter Rachael. Even as he grew older Harry always kept in touch with his lifelong friends and extended family.

He will be dearly missed by his children, extended family, lifelong friends and all whose lives he touched.

Surviving him are children: Harry C. Battin III, and wife Mary, Joseph John Battin and wife Christine, Rachael Ann Battin, and William Steven Battin and wife Kelly, 13 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a brother: Robert M. Battin and wife Nancy.

He was predeceased by his daughter: Maureen Brenda Bruno.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, February 21, at 11 am at St. Joseph Parish, 100 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030. Inurnment will be held on Monday, February 24th at 10:45 am at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, Owings Mills, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Arrangements are by ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Owings Mills, MD.