Frederick C. Battaglia, MD, passed away on December 30, 2022. Born in 1932 in Weehawken, New Jersey, Fred was a constant over-achiever. He attended Cornell University and earned his BS in Chemistry in only three years in 1953. Afterwards, he attended the Yale University School of Medicine, where he met the love of his life, Jane Donahue. Together in 1957, they graduated with their MDs, were married and set off to change the world. Fred and Jane traveled to study and conduct research in England, Puerto Rico and Baltimore before finding home in Denver, Colorado in 1965. It was at this time when Fred joined the pediatric faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he served as full professor, department chair and professor emeritus.
Dr. Battaglia and his colleagues made huge advancements in research, making a profound impact in the fields of pediatrics, neonatology and obstetrics. He served as a mentor and inspiration to countless medical students, physicians and researchers; many of whom went on to have distinguished careers of their own and acknowledge Fred as being instrumental to their success–the accomplishment of which he was most proud. In addition, he forged strong relationships with colleagues around the world. Dr. Battaglia’s achievements are too many to list, but highlights include:
✦ 2015 Frederick C. Battaglia Endowed Chair in Neonatology;
✦ 2010 Recipient of the Ronald McDonald House Medical Award of Excellence;
✦ 2004 John Howland Award– the highest honor given by the American Pediatric Society;
✦ 2004 Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Colorado;
✦ 1991 Medical Education Award of the American Academy of Pediatrics;
✦ 1990 Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Indiana;
✦ 1987 Led the creation of the Pediatric Scientist Development Program, an enduring and widely imitated model for training physician-scientists.
Fred enjoyed everything Italian, fly-fishing, traveling and spending time in the beauty of Snowmass, Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs. However, most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Jane, and he is survived by his sister Irene, daughter Susan, son Tom, granddaughter Jessica and his great grandchildren Joseph and Jolee.
A Catholic funeral mass will be held at Saint Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Denver on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM. In addition to the funeral mass, there will be a burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, CO, following the service.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations to The Frederick C. Battaglia Endowed Chair in Neonatology can be made online at: www.supportchildrenscolorado.org/donate . Please add a note that gifts are being made in memory of Dr. Frederick C. Battaglia. Gifts can also be made by mail by sending a check with a note in the memo line or accompanying letter that they are in memory of Dr. Frederick Battaglia to: Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, PO Box 5585, Denver, CO 80217-5585
