Dan Michael Battles

Dan Michael Battles, 78, passed away peacefully on February 22nd after a brief but intense struggle with cancer. He spent his last day on earth listening to old country songs, receiving love, and being surrounded by his family.

Dan was born in Ottawa, Illinois, on April 18, 1947. “Danny Boy” was the youngest of four children born to Marjorie and Harland Battles.

A standout athlete at Ottawa High School, Dan was selected as an all-state quarterback in 1964 and for decades held the school’s record for career passing yards. He was co-captain of the basketball team in his senior year and helped win a regional title. He was inducted into the Ottawa High School Hall of Fame in 2011.

A strong student as well, Dan was awarded an academic scholarship and attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he majored in Psychology and Education. He continued his football career and also played lacrosse, graduating in 1969.

After a brief stint in California, Dan settled in the Albany area and began his career in the Albany public schools. He obtained a Masters degree in Special Education from the College of Saint Rose and spent 33 years teaching special education at Philip Livingston Middle School. At Livingston, Dan met the love of his life, Tracy Krupit. Dan and Tracy were married in 1985.

Dan retired in 2002 and Tracy joined him in 2012, when they moved from East Greenbush to Saratoga Springs.

Dan’s love of sports continued throughout his life. An avid golfer, he was a club champion at Evergreen Country Club and the anchor to many scramble teams. He rarely missed a Yankees game and enjoyed cheering on the Nets and the Giants. Dan was also a lifelong practitioner of transcendental meditation, having studied under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

In retirement, Dan volunteered at Wesley Nursing Home and Estherville Animal Shelter. He could be found most days having eggs over easy at the Old Saratoga Eatery or an afternoon cookie at Putnam Market or Healthy Living.

Dan is survived by his wife Tracy, daughter Haven, sons Ben (Krista) and Casey (Tiffany), sister Judy Newbury, brother Jerry (Jane), grandchildren Ejay (Estefano), Dekin, Devon, Harlan, Elliana and Nathaniel. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Cheri Link and brothers-in-law Bill and Phil.

Dan’s family will be honoring him in a private celebration. Donations in Dan’s honor may be made to Estherville Animal Shelter, Greenfield Center.