Orlando D. Batista

LUDLOW- Orlando "Nanu" D. Batista, 77, of Ludlow and Largo, FL, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, April 10, 2011 in Largo, FL. He was born in Ludlow a son of the late Francisco and Silvana (Afonso) Batista. Orlando was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Ludlow. He retired in 1990 from Monsanto as a maintenance foreman after 36 years of service. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict obtaining the rank of Fireman. He served aboard the U.S.S Missouri, U.S.S. Monssen and U.S.S. Cascade. Orlando received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, China Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. He enjoyed golfing and fishing. Orlando was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis M. (Guyette) Batista on January 6, 2003; a son-in-law, Jeff Braga in 2009; four brothers, Lefty, Bino, Archie, and Joey Batista; and a sister, Angie Frappier. He is survived by three daughters, Lori A. Barron and her husband David of Ludlow, Lisa A. Batista and her partner Richard Macierowski of Windsor Locks, CT, and Tina M. Braga of Ludlow; eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Alison and her husband Frank, Kristine, Jessica, Jeena, Anthony, Kalee, and Joey; a great-granddaughter, Alexa; his companion, Junith Joslin of Florida, two brothers, Hector Batista of North Carolina, and Tony Batista and his wife Connie of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Orlando's life will be held on Monday, April 25th at 8 p.m. at the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., Indian Orchard. Burial will be private. Orlando's family will receive relatives and friends at the gathering prior to the service from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Orlando's memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701or Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760. For directions or to share memories, photos or expressions of condolences, visit Orlando's personal webpage at ratellfuneralhome.com.   Ratell Funeral Home (413) 543-3836