Russell Battis

07/04/2006

Russell Battis, 83, of 165 West Road, formerly of North Adams, died Tuesday at his daughter's home at 31 Summer St., Adams. Born in Clarksburg on Aug. 6, 1922, son of Purcell John and Agnes Helen Laporte Battis, he attended the former Houghton School in Clarksburg. Mr. Battis was a self-taught carpenter and roofer for many years. He was a member of Carpenters' Local 193 and worked on many local projects, including buildings at local colleges, the Mount Equinox Monastery in Vermont, Clark Art Institute, the Bear Swamp Hydroelectric Plant and the Pittsfield Parking Garage. In his younger years, he worked on several large projects in Clarksburg, including the Ice House at Mausert's Pond, the Town of Clarksburg Highway Department and the former Strong Hewat Co., as a weigher and measurer of dyes. He also worked on many projects throughout Berkshire County and the state of Florida. He retired from the former Arnold Print Works in Adams after many years as a backtender. He enjoyed his home and garden and was proud of his "green thumb." He was a hunter and fisherman, and loved berry-picking. He loved playing harmonica and singing. He leaves two daughters, Nancy Biagini of Cheshire and Kathy Williamson of Adams; a sister, Shirley Maxwell of Spring Hill, Fla.; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- A funeral service for Russell Battis, who died Tuesday, July 4, 2006, will be held on Friday, July 14, at 1 p.m. in AUGE-PACIOREK-SIMMONS FUNERAL HOME. The Rev. William D. Furey, pastor of Berkshire Union Chapel, will officiate. Calling hours are Friday, July 14, from noon until the time of service. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire, or to Boy Scout Troop 38 of Adams, care of the funeral home, 13 Hoosac St., Adams. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, visit www.apsfuneralhome.com. While working at the former Arnold Print Works, he had the pleasure of meeting Grandma Moses during a visit she made to the print works to see how the printing of her famous "Maple Sugar" painting was being reproduced on cloth. He took pleasure in sharing the bounty of his garden with family and friends. He loved to reminisce with family and friends about the old days and was quite a historian. In his later years, he enjoyed playing bingo and Keno, and lived life to the fullest. He also leaves two sons-in-law, Mickey and Max; six grandchildren, Michele Biagini of Adams, Michael Biagini of Cheshire, Jason Soha of North Adams, Matthew Soha of San Diego, Calif., and Jesse and Joseph Soha, both of Adams; four great-grandchildren, Dillon Biagini, Timothy Biagini and Haley Morgan, all of Adams, and Nathan Biagini of Cheshire; many nieces and nephews, including Ronald Battis of Stamford, Vt., and several cousins, including Fred Cole of North Adams. He was predeceased by five brothers, Francis, Edward, Nelson, Sterling and Robert Battis, and by two sisters, Betty Rarick and Ruth White.

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