[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1066-E1067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF MR. WILLIAM ``BILL'' BATTLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2018

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to honor the life of my friend, Mr. William ``Bill'' Battle and to 
recognize his contributions to the State of Connecticut, especially to 
his community of Torrington, Connecticut. Bill passed away on July 20, 
2018 at the age of 82, after a long life of dedicated service to his 
community.
  Bill was born in New York, New York and was raised in New Haven, 
Connecticut. Bill attended New Haven public schools before enrolling at 
Howard University in Washington, D.C. After college, Bill joined the 
Army where he worked on computers. Bill continued in computers when he 
left the Army, traveling the world for IBM. Bill eventually returned to 
Connecticut to be near his ailing mother. It was here where he met his 
wife Darlene, who was working as a nurse's aide. The two married in 
1994, and after their son was born they moved to Torrington.
  After moving to Torrington, Bill fell in love with the small city. 
Serving as the economic development commissioner for a brief time, Bill 
worked to celebrate Torrington's educational excellence and attract 
young families while reviving the city's downtown through a focus on 
the arts and small business. In addition to working closely with town 
leaders to improve the city's economy, Bill also advocated for children 
and education in Torrington. Serving on the Board of Directors for the 
Connecticut Academy of the Arts in Torrington, Bill helped bring the 
arts back to the Torrington community and is credited for helping start 
the international film forum.
  Ultimately, Bill loved anything intellectual and enjoyed discussing 
ideas with his fellow community members. While working as the campaign 
coordinator for former Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman, Bill would 
frequently have dinner at the Republican campaign headquarters because 
he just wanted to engage in political discourse. His Republican 
colleagues stated that all Bill ever wanted was to see Torrington do 
better.
  Those who knew Bill knew that nothing gave him more pride than seeing 
his children succeed. Bill could often be seen wearing a Yale hat to 
show his immense delight when his son, Darnell, was accepted to the 
University.
  I met Bill seven years ago and was immediately impressed by his 
passion, his knowledge, his energy, and his fearlessness in taking on 
tough issues and those in power. His commitment to democracy and his 
belief that we all could--and should--do better inspired

[[Page E1067]]

me and everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill Battle led a life as an engaged community member 
and community activist. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we 
honor his life and memory here today. I offer my deepest condolences to 
his wife, Darlene and his children, Carla, Darnell, Violetta, and 
William and to all of his family. Those of us who knew Bill will 
cherish his memory, and his legacy will live on in our community.

                          ____________________