Carl L Battistone, Sr.

Carl L Battistone, Sr.

Retired United States Marine Corps Colonel Carl L. Battistone, Sr., 97, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026. Carl is the son of the late Domenico and Mary (Napolitan)  Battistone, and has been reunited with Ruth, his beloved wife of 72 years, and beautiful daughter Lisa.

Carl was born August 15, 1928, in Muse, PA. He graduated from Cecil High School in 1946 as class valedictorian. Carl was accepted to Carnegie Institute of Technology for aeronautical engineering, but classes were filled with Servicemen enrolling under the GI Bill, so he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps and qualify for the education benefits. Carl enlisted on Friday, September 13, 1946. He attended boot camp at Parris Island SC, and from 1946 to 1949 he served from grades of Private to being honorably discharged on September 12, 1949, as a Sergeant. In 1950, due to the start of the Korean War, Carl was recalled to active duty and promoted to Staff Sergeant.

On a warm summer day in July 1950, even though Carl was only 21 years old, his life became complete when he met the love of his life, Ruth Marie Ross. She was volunteering at the food booth at the local Fireman’s fair in Houston PA. She served Carl a hot dog, and he told his best friend, “I’m going to marry that girl”.

 In 1951, Carl volunteered for Flight School. From 1951 to 1953 he attended Naval Flight School at Pensacola FL and Kingsville TX, as a Naval Cadet leading to Commission as Second Lieutenant in 1953. During midpoint of his flight school, in January 1952, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ross of Houston PA, announced the engagement of their daughter, Ruth Marie, to Naval Cadet Carl. After completion of flight school, Carl had his wings pinned on by his then fiancée Ruth on February 4, 1953. Three months later, on May 16, 1953, Carl and Ruth were joined in Holy Matrimony at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Canonsburg PA.

From 1953 to 1958 Carl performed his duties as a fighter pilot, stationed in various locations and Marine Corps Air Stations (MCAS), including Cherry Point NC, Japan, Korea, Quantico VA, and Norfolk VA. During that time, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, then Captain. Additionally, during that time, daughters Ann and Lisa were born.

From September 1958 to September 1960, Carl served as an all-weather fighter pilot with the British Royal Navy at the Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, England. During this tour he spent time on aircraft carriers HMS Victorious and HMS Ark Royal. While in England son Carl Jr. and daughter Dona were born.

Upon returning to the U.S., from 1960 to 1965 Carl performed his duties as an all-weather fighter pilot, Aviation Safety Officer, and Management Engineer in the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan, additionally being promoted to Major. Daughter Mari was born during this time.

Carl attended the Air Command and Staff College, Air University, Alabama as a student from 1965 to 1966.

From July 1966 to August 1967, Carl served as Executive Officer, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-251, Marine Air Group (MAG) 32, and Commanding Officer, Marine Air Base Squadron (MABS) 32, MAG-32, at MCAS Beaufort SC.

From September 1967 to September 1968, Carl served his country proudly at Chu Lai and Danang, Republic of Vietnam, as Executive Officer of VMFA-115, and Aviation Safety/Standardization Officer, being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel shortly after his arrival. While in Vietnam, Carl flew 157 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom fighter jet. On December 29, 1967, “for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight” during a mission supporting U.S. troops on the ground in Quang Ngai Province, Carl’s “courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger” earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Carl returned to the U.S. and his family in September 1968 after his tour of duty in Vietnam, being stationed at MCAS Cherry Point NC as Assistant Wing G-3 and Commanding Officer of VMFA-513, MAG-14.

Carl took leave from duty from August 1970 to January 1972 to attend Washington & Jefferson College, Washington PA, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Second son Marc arrived during this time.

After college, Carl returned to duty as Director, Aviation Instruction Department, Marine Corps Education Center, Quantico VA, from 1972 to 1974.

In 1974 to 1975, Carl relocated to Newport RI as a student in the College of Naval Warfare, Naval War College, where he graduated with Highest Distinction. During this time Carl was promoted to Colonel.

For his last tour of duty overseas, Carl served as Commanding Officer, MAG-15, 1st Marine Air Wing  (MAW), at Iwakuni, Japan from August 1975 to July 1976. It was on July 20, 1976, that he took his last flight as a USMC fighter pilot.

Carl’s last active-duty position was Head, Combat Readiness Branch, Headquarters, USMC, Washington DC, from 1976 to 1980. Carl completed his illustrious career in the United States Marine Corps when he retired as Colonel on June 1, 1980.

During his 33+ years career, Carl was decorated with the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with Combat “V”, Air Medal with Star, Air Medal with Numeral 12, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Star, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Frame, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

Upon retirement, Carl and Ruth moved back to their home state of Pennsylvania, settling in Bethel Park in the house they had purchased as original owners, and continued to own since 1967.

In keeping with his dedication to service, Carl joined the Bethel Park Lions Club in 1981. During his time as Lion, he held the positions of President, Deputy District Governor, District Governor, and International Director, where he and Ruth traveled across the U.S. to various functions and state conventions, and around the world. In addition to many other awards and certificates, he received 2 – International President’s Awards, 2 – International Leadership Awards, and 1 – International President’s Appreciation Certificate and Advancement Membership Key. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow and PA Lions Fellow.

In previous years, Carl had served Bethel Park in other capacities, including Vice-Chairman of the Bethel Park Centennial Committee, Neighborhood Crime Watch Coordinator, and Emergency Management Coordinator, appointed by PA Governor Thornburgh in 1986.

Carl was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Order of Daedalians, a national fraternity of military pilots, and the Marine Corps Aviation Association. He was a devout Catholic, and a strong, proud, humble and loving man.

In addition to his wife, daughter, and parents, Carl was preceded in death by his sister Anna, brother Dominick and wife Rochelle, brother-in-law Norman Bourg, sister-in-law Eileen Battistone, and sister-in-law Margaret Ross.

Surviving are one sister Mary Bourg of McMurray, PA; two brothers Joseph Battistone of McMurray, PA and Frank (Donna) Battistone of Little Rock, AR; one brother-in-law Samuel Ross of Upper St. Clair, PA; two sons Carl (Dena) Battistone Jr. of South Fayette, PA and Marc (Tammie) Battistone of Valencia, PA; three daughters Ann (Douglas) Paul of Troy, OH, Dona (Eric) Tilyou of Severna Park, MD, and Mari (Roger) Brusnahan of Alexandria, VA; son-in-law Christopher Brown of Dumfries, VA; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local Lions Club.

 Family and friends are welcome from 2-4 & 6-8 PM on Thursday, February 26th in the Paul Henney Cremation and Funeral Tributes, Inc., 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park. A Lion’s Service will be held, Thursday, at 7 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 27th, 10 AM at in Our Lady of Hope Parish/St. Valentine Church, Bethel Park, followed by a committal service at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 2900 Washington Road, McMurray.

Click here to watch Mr. Battistone's Lions Service. 

Click here to watch Mr. Battistone's Military Honors. 

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