Seventeen surgeries in the past 10 years can’t stop Tony Battaglia from singing a song that is the essence of his life.
“I believe you have to, ‘Put On a Happy Face,’” he said Sunday as an overflow crowd of about 600 paid tribute to veteran Villages’ entertainer in a Savannah Center ballroom.
“I’m an up person,” Battaglia, 84, said in an interview just before the tribute began with a film clip of him singing and performing here over the past 15 years. “I believe you can always overcome any challenge.
“I’ve been in a lot of surgeries over the past 10 years. But even on the operating table, I’m cracking jokes and making the doctors and nurses smile.”
Battaglia is one of those people who raises the spirits of those around him.
“That’s why I love Tony, but everyone loves Tony,” said Randi, his wife of 37 years. “Tony is an entertainer and the life of the party. He’s an amazing guy and he was born to make people happy.”
Battaglia grew up on the West Side of Buffalo, N.Y.
“When I was 9 years old, I knew I’d be a singer,” he said. He graduated from Canisius High School and the University at Buffalo. He was in the Army and served in the Korean War. Then he had a career in sales for television stations. He came to The Villages in 2002 and sang everything from opera to Broadway, appearing in dozens of productions.
“The great thing about The Villages is that you get so many opportunities to do what you love,” Battaglia said. “For me, it meant getting on stage. I love performing because when you play a character you can lose yourself in that character and become someone else.”
A host of local performers showed up Sunday to sing and pay tribute to Battaglia. The list included Joan Knapton of KC Productions; Billie Thatcher, Mary Jo Vitale, Dawn DiNome, Ray Leggiero, and John Rogerson.
Each seemed touched by a man who has become one of the most influential and beloved entertainers in The Villages.
“Tony has such a big heart and he loves people,” Knapton said. “When you’re down, Tony is the kind of guy who just makes you feel better. He lifts you up.
“You can see and feel what Tony means to the people here tonight. It’s an amazing turnout and it shows how many lives Tony has touched.”
Billie Thatcher serenaded Battaglia with a song, “Hey Old Friend.” She and Battaglia go back 15 years in The Villages.
“You can feel the joy from Tony when he sings,” Thatcher said. “He brings that joy to the people in the seats. He’s a lot fun and I’d say he’s a little crazy, but he’s also kind, courageous and optimistic.”
John Rogerson agreed.
“Tony is always positive and that’s why he inspires so many people. He’s been through a lot and had serious illness. But he keeps coming back.”
Jean Butler, director/conductor of The Villages Swing and Concert Bands, summed up Battaglia this way.
“Tony is a wonderful example of courage and love,” Butler said. “He has a passion for singing; but he also has a passion for life.”
