Michael Anthony Battista, 22, died suddenly Dec. 17th. He is survived by parents Mark and Deborrah (Hehir) Battista and siblings Daniel, Emily and Scott of Morrow, Ohio, grandparents Robert Hehir (the late Claire Hehir) of Hudson Ohio and Pete and Helen (Tobi) Battista of Tallmadge Ohio. and, of course, Cali. When Michael Battista went to Athens, Ohio, for college a few years ago, he made countless connections. Classmates, teachers, friends all helped weave the fabric of Michael's new life at Ohio University. Yet something was missing, so about a year and a half ago, Michael went searching for it. He found that special companion at the Athens County Animal Shelter. Cali, now 2, was a Husky puppy when Michael rescued her. In the past 18 months, they became inseparable companions around Athens and Ohio U. Michael, a 2009 graduate of Archbishop Moeller High School, was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting and hiking, often with Cali at his side, and was a passionate paintball player at Ohio U and served as captain to the team. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22, at Gilligan Funeral Home in Kenwood. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at St. Margaret of York Church in Loveland. Although Michael will be missed by his loving family and many friends, the Lord needs him in a much larger capacity and with a greater purpose. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be directed to the Athens County Dog Shelter, 13333 State Route 13, Chauncey, OH 45719.

Service

Sunday, December 22, 2013 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Gilligan Funeral Home 3734 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati 45226, United States

Service

Monday, December 23, 2013 10:00 AM St. Margaret of York Catholic Church 9483 Columbia Road Cincinnati 45140, United States