Joe's Story
On May 12, 2005, my brother Joseph Battaglia age 42, died from head injuries sustained in an automobile accident while driving his pickup truck. Joseph was a tremendous man who possessed an undeniable zest for life. He lived each day fully and made every moment count. Joseph’s love for life was immense. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need.
Sadly, Joe left behind his wife Patricia, their five children, Joseph, Jr. age 10, Antonio age 8, Angelina age 7, Nicholas age 5, Anthony age 4, our mother Dorothy Battaglia, our sister Diana Bechthold, our brother David Battaglia, two nieces, four nephews and me, Michael Battaglia.
Tragically, Joe was the 71st automobile fatality in Lee County Florida. Just as tragic, the other driver involved in the accident, also driving a pickup truck, was the 72nd automobile fatality. Eighty-eight percent of the 72 automobile fatalities in Lee County were not wearing seatbelts--including my brother. No one knows for sure if a seatbelt would have saved my brother’s life, but everyone that loved and cared for Joe will ponder that the rest of their lives.
My brother’s untimely and tragic death has been the inspiration behind the establishment of the Joseph Battaglia Foundation. It is my hope to try to turn this horrific tragedy into a cause that will educate the public on seatbelt use and safety issues, develop policy recommendations, and raise money for financially impacted families.
Everyone knows a story about someone that died in an automobile accident. This website is dedicated to them. Please log their stories in our discussion forum. Include pictures, links and information on any memorial funds setup for the victims. Please also vote on whether you want the seatbelt laws strengthened to protect our loved ones.
The Joseph Battaglia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, IRS Tax ID 55-0904476. To make a tax deductible donation please visit our online store or write a check payable to the Joseph Battaglia Foundation and mail to:
Joseph Battaglia Foundation
4897 Voyager Drive
Frisco, Texas 75034