Longtime ARCO executive, Claraboya board member

Harry Cornelius Battin, Jr., 88, of Owings Mills, Maryland, died February at his home.

Born May 10, 1931, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Harry Cornelius, Sr., and Dorothy May Battin. He was the beloved husband of the late Rachael Barbara Battin, who died in 2004.

Harry grew up in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, in suburban Philadelphia. He served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1953. He then graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in Philadelphia in 1957.

He married Rachael Loratto Battin in 1958 and began raising the Battin family and building a career after settling in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. He became a leading systems analyst with the Atlantic Richfield oil company (ARCO), holding key roles during company acquisition and mergers, and numerous other major company projects, including the Alaskan Pipeline and the introduction of natural gas as an accessible commodity.     

In 1975, the Battin family moved to Claremont, where they made many dear and lifelong friends. As the family grew and expanded, the Battin Sunday dinner became the weekly essential gathering for the family—precious to all who could attend.

Battin family parties were also fabulous affairs, attended by many friends and extended family members. “The primary attraction for all of us to attend these Battin social events and family meals was the absolute and unconditional love that Harry and Rachael both presented everyone who attended,” the family shared. “That along with the fabulous food and the fun that we had.”

Mr. Battin retired in 1987 and enjoyed his family, friends, and traveling the world with his beloved wife. During this time, he became a board member of the Claraboya Association and served as their newsletter editor for many years.

In 2007, he relocated back to the Philadelphia area after Mrs. Battin died, living in Pottstown  until the death of his eldest daughter Brenda Bruno in 2015. Since 2015, he had lived in Owings Mills with his daughter Rachael. Even as he grew older he always kept in touch with his lifelong friends and extended family. 

“He will be dearly missed by his children, extended family, lifelong friends and all whose lives he touched,” his family shared.

Surviving him are children, Harry C. Battin III, and wife Mary; Joseph John Battin and wife Christine; Rachael Ann Battin; and William Steven Battin and wife Kelly; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his brother, Robert M. Battin and wife Nancy.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Maureen Brenda Bruno.

A memorial mass was held today at St. Joseph Parish in Cockeysville, Maryland, with inurnment scheduled for 10:45 a.m. Monday, February 24 at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Battin’s name may be made to the American Heart Association at www2.heart.org, or by check to P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com.