Gabriel Anthony Battista

gabriel battista
Gabriel Anthony Battista, aged 75, born to Antonio and Emma Battista, November 14, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, died at his home in McLean, Virginia on Monday, January 27th, 2020.

Gabriel was the proud son of Italian immigrants and first-generation American. He hailed from a working-class family whose father worked for The Reading Railroad and whose mother worked outside the home. His family stressed the importance of a good education and realizing the American dream. He followed his brother and was one of the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from Villanova University, receiving a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, and later received a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Temple University. He completed his education by receiving his professional engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2012, he was granted the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

Gabe began his career at General Electric (GE) who fully funded his graduate education. Later he served as president of Sprint’s Eastern Group before joining Cable & Wireless, Inc. as president, becoming their CEO for North America. Gabe next became CEO of Network Solutions, where he led the company’s initial public offering on the NASDAQ. Following this he served as president, chairman, and CEO of Talk America for six years. In 2004 Ernst & Young named Gabriel Battista the Communications Entrepreneur of the Year for the Greater Washington Area.

In his retirement, Gabe turned his attention to strengthening relations between Italy and the United States, serving as co-chair of National Italian American Foundation and chairman of the Board of the American University in Rome. He also served on numerous boards. He was an avid sports fan, especially supportive of his hometown teams from Philadelphia and of course, his beloved Villanova Wildcats. He loved cooking, making pasta sauce, and spending time on the Jersey Shore. Gabe, referred to as Nonno by his grandchildren, enjoyed family dinners, and taking his grandchildren to the movies, shows and the beach.

He is survived by his brother, Anthony Battista; sons, Stephen Battista and his wife Alexis Battista, and Christopher Battista; former spouse, Rose Martini; step-sons, Justin Arrington and his wife Shayna Arrington, Matthew Arrington and his wife, Stephanie Arrington; two granddaughters, Emma and Lucianna Battista; two step-grandsons, Hunter and Max Arrington; his niece Kristin Battista-Frazee and her husband, Brian Frazee; and great-niece, Grace Frazee. Predeceased were his wife, Debra Battista, his grandson, Dominick, and dear friend George Vinall.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) at: http://bit.ly/3bg4LQ2 or the American University in Rome (AUR) at: http://bit.ly/2vLtOdb.

Friends may call Friday, February 7th between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, Virginia. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 8th at 11:00 am at Saint Mark's Catholic Church, also in Vienna, VA.

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  1. Gabe Battista’s leadership of NIAF was based on his proud links to his heritage, his family and his friends. He will be missed

  2. Gabe was passionate about our beloved Italy and gave cheerfully his time and treasure to make NIAF strong. But what really made Gabe special was the noble graciousness of his manner. We will miss him. Phil Rinaldi

  3. Forever grateful to Gabe for fathering my beloved nephews, one of whom gave us our precious grand nieces. May you rest now.

  4. Forever grateful for the love he showed his family and friends, and how he brought us all together. We will miss him dearly.

  5. Gabe was a genuine down to earth individual who thought so much of others. He was kind, and generous. He had a tremendous love of his family and friends, he will be missed, and it was always a pleasure seeing him with all his enthusiasm. He is in Heaven now. Peace and Love Gabe ?? And all our Love and sympathy to Gabes entire family for this big loss. Ron and Denise Meleco Jason Meleco and Ida Succi

    • Gabe and I did a lot of legal work together. One early morning, I pulled up to the light near NSI and Gabe was in his Jaguar next to me. We rolled our windows down and we were playing the same song by Andrea Bocelli – “Time to say Good-bye.” The entire intersection could hear us. Those were the times, my friend. Time to say Good-bye. Phil

  6. My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working for Gabe in the 1980’s, at SPRINT. He was a strong leader and everyone loved working for him, including me.Rest in peace and GOD bless you Gabe


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