Nicholas E. Battit, 101, of East Hampton, died peacefully after a brief illness on March 23, 2017 at Chesthelm Health and Rehabilitation Center in Moodus.  Born March 11, 1916 in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Elian and Deibe (Harouk) Battit.  He graduated from Cambridge Rindge Technical HS, received his undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and a Masters in Education from UCONN.  Nick proudly served in the US Navy as a Carpenter’s Mate during WWII between 1942-1945 and was stationed on the USS Columbia which saw action in the South Pacific and the USS Takanis Bay which tested pilots for carrier operations.  In 1944 he married Nancy Caldwell who was serving in the Women’s Army Corps.  In 1946 he and Nancy relocated from Boston to East Hampton where they started a family and Nick began his teaching career in art, graphic design and industrial arts. 

In 1955, he accepted a position developing the industrial arts program at King Philip Jr. HS in West Hartford and continued on at Sedgwick and Talcott Jr. HS until his retirement in 1976.  Nancy and Nick raised 3 good children and were active, contributing members of the community, but by 1964 their work together was completed and they moved on in different directions.

In 1967 Nick married Jean Crosbie who shared many of his artistic interests.  They spent the next 40 years together travelling between Stowe, VT, Round Pound, ME, South Yarmouth, MA, but always returning to their East Hampton home.   Nick possessed a great combination of technical and creative abilities which manifested in many endeavors.  He was a master carpenter, designing and building the Summit Street home and was equally proficient in fine wood-working.  The flower and vegetable gardens were bountiful!  He produced spectacular water color and oil paintings, breath-taking photography and some of the best Middle Eastern cooking (just try to match his hummus or Kibbeh!).  He was a classically-trained violinist, accomplished oud player and studied the cello in his 70’s.  A boating and sailing enthusiast he loved Opening Day fishing.  No one had more passion for the automobile and he fiercely defended his right to drive.  A beloved educator and mentor to many rarely did anyone leave a conversation with Nick without gaining some new piece of knowledge.  Despite the numerous losses and indignities of life, Nick’s resiliency and optimism persisted through his quick wit, twinkle in his eye and genuine interest in others.  It was impossible not to feel special and loved by this man!

He is survived by his son, David Battit of Cambridge, MA, and his daughter, Anne Battit of Everett, MA, his brother, George and his wife, Judith Battit of Belmont, MA and his sister, Jeannette and her husband, John Van Blarcom, of Stowe, VT, his grandson, Demian and his wife, Deborah (Brady) Battit of Middle Haddam, his granddaughter Erica, and her husband, David Fullerton of Worcester, MA and granddaughter, his Angela Juarez of Worcester, MA, as well as great grandchildren, David, Brady, Julia, William, Henry, Samuel, Jayden and Alexander, and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Nick was predeceased by his wife, Jean, his former wife, Nancy Marzullo, and his son, Alan, as well as his sisters, Mary George, Nezlie Battit and Lillian Sakey, and his brothers, Captain Beshara Battit, David Battit and Charles Battit.

Nick’s family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to all who became the fabric of Nick’s life after Jean’s death.  A special thanks to long-time caregiver, Barbara Zoldak and friends, Bill Helveston and Joe Visco for their consistent visits and assistance.

Finally, a heart-felt thank you to all the staff at Chesthelm Health and Rehabilitation Center who provided such exceptional, loving care throughout Nick’s stay there.

Family and friends will gather at Spencer Funeral Home for a Memorial Service on Saturday,

May 6, 2017, from 10AM until 11AM with the service at 11AM. Burial will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Community Renewal Team (CRT) (Meals-on-Wheels,  East Hampton), Development Office, 555 Windsor Street, Hartford, CT  06120, or to the St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church/Convent of Saidnaya.  The convent in Syria supports the orphanage there. Your donation may be sent to St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, 8 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA  02139 OR Mrs. Zahie Mabardi, 300 Fitzmaurice Circle, Belmont, MA  02478.  To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

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