John H. Battistoni III

John Battistoni, 88, of Stanfordville, passed away at his home on March 15, 2024. He was born in Poughkeepsie on April 25, 1935 to John and Kathleen (Boyles) Battistoni. On September 1, 1956, in Lake George, NY, John married Barbara Grant. They were married 65 years, until Barbara’s death in 2021.

John spent his childhood in Stanfordville and graduated from Pine Plains High School. He received his BA in 1957 from Hartwick College and his MPA from Rockefeller School of Public Affairs in 1971. His career began in 1959 when he was appointed as a Caseworker in the Public Assistance Unit of Dutchess County Department of Social Services. He was recognized early in his career as a leader in his field and was first appointed as Dutchess County Commissioner of Social Services in 1978, a job he held for over 17 years. In 1995, he retired with over 36 years of committed and compassionate service to the people of Dutchess County. Outside of Dutchess, John was well known and recognized statewide for his knowledge and expertise. He served as President of the New York State Public Welfare Association, also chairing the Mental Health and Legislative Committees. He served on the New York Association of Counties, devoting many years to the Task Force on Welfare Reform. He was later elected President of The National Association of Counties Human Services, devoting many years to several Task Forces, including Work and Welfare Reform, AIDS/HIV, and Human Services and Education.

John served on the Board of Directors of Dutchess County United Way. He was a member of the championship Red White Softball Team and was inducted into the Dutchess County Fast Pitch Hall of Fame in 2001. He was a lifetime member of the Grange. In 1988, he was named the Dutchess County Grange Community Citizen of the Year.

Outside of his college years, John lived in Stanfordville, a town and community he loved. He was a member and chairman of the Board of Deacons and Board of Trustees, United Church of Christ. He was a Trustee of the Stanford Cemetery Association. He served on the Town of Stanford Planning Board, Recreation Commission and Zoning Commission. He truly leaves a legacy of devoted and humble community service.

When John retired, a bit earlier than expected, many wondered what he would do after his busy career. He continued with volunteerism and serving on several boards. But he also did just as he had planned. He learned to play golf, a game he enjoyed for 20 years. He reconnected with old friends and shared good times. He traveled to his favorite places. But most important to him, he, along with Barbara, spent time making lasting, wonderful memories with his family, his children and grandchildren. John’s life was truly well lived.

He is survived by four children: Lori (Edward) Conklin of Parsonsburg, MD; Debra (Gary) MacElveen of Poughkeepsie; Mark (Catherine) Battistoni of Millbrook; and Carol (Eric) Waldschmidt of Verbank, ten grandchildren (Christofer, John, William, Joseph, Daniel, Nicole, Joseph B., Ema, Samuel and Anna) and four great-grandchildren (Giovanni, Lillianna, Aaliyah and Talia). He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Richard and Betty Battistoni, one niece and three nephews.

Services will be private. Interment will take place in Stanford Cemetery. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Hudson Valley Hospice at https://www.hvhospice.org/donate-now/ or to the United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 424, Stanfordville, New York 12581.

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