Richard "Turtle" Battista

Richard “Turtle” Battista went home to his Creator on February 9, 2023.  He was 69 years old.

Rick loved to hunt and fish, but he especially enjoyed fishing from his boat. He was a member of the Paris Sportsman Club, B.A.S.S., and the National Wild Turkey Foundation (NWTF).  He is the last survivor of the original 1960s Human Growth Hormone Research.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Nellie, and his wife Marty.

Rick leaves behind the love of his life, Maggie Ridgway and her family, sister Theresa (Dominic) D’Aurora, and their families, and his good friends, Ralph Cunningham, Rick Harcharik, and Larry Keister.  His three little buddies, Mike, Gino, and Luca Merico, along with their parents. Boys, you brought such joy into his life, as well as wonderful neighbors and other friends, and his cats, Tillie, and Cosmos.

Thanks to Dr. Neil Khurana, skilled care at WMC, and  Valley Hospice for all you have done. God will bless you abundantly.

Friends are encouraged to visit with Rick’s family from 4-6 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV where a Remembrance Service will be held at 6 pm.