QUECHEE, Vt. – Former Permatex Director of Marketing Tony Battaglia passed away in his sleep at his home in Vermont on Feb. 24. He was 55.
 
After accepting a severance package in a downsizing at Permatex, Battaglia followed his heart to Vermont, where he was one of two chocolatiers at Vermont Chocolatiers, as well as an entrepreneur at the Route 4 Country Store Deli and BBQ.
 
According to his wife Margie, Battaglia frequently quipped as his grandfather did, "I can sell, I can deliver." Prior to his venture into the chocolate business, Battaglia spent several decades at Permatex, including roles with both the Loctite and Permatex brands, finally culminating in his role as director of marketing for Permatex.
 
Friends and colleagues remembered Battaglia for his creativity as a savvy marketer, as well as his generous spirit as a mentor.
 
"I had the opportunity to work with Tony for several years as part of the account team on the Permatex Automotive business," said Tony Barolin, of Barolin & Spencer. "He was a joy to work for and always made you feel like you knew what you were doing. When it came to marketing, the depth of his vision put him in a class by himself. He opened a chocolate store in Vermont after he left the aftermarket business, and although I never made it up there, I have no doubt as to the quality of those chocolates."
 
"It was truly a shock and heartbreaking to learn of Tony’s unexpected passing," said former Permatex Creative Director Lauren Mencarini, who worked for Battaglia. "We worked together for many years and as those who knew him can attest, he really did have a ‘larger than life’ personality. Tony was extremely knowledgeable regarding the automotive aftermarket having held several roles with Loctite and Permatex. In his last role as the director of marketing with Permatex, he was very instrumental in gaining great momentum for the brand, which culminated with the launch of the 100-year anniversary celebration. Tony was a genuine guy, always willing to share his knowledge and give advice to his colleagues, and he will be greatly missed by all."
 
Sharyn Price, who also worked with Tony at Permatex, considered him a mentor.

"Tony worked tirelessly to contribute to the industry," Price said. "He was a true mentor to me, and his creative and lighthearted approach made every day a great day to come in to work with and for him. He had a passion with his approach but would always allow you to have input to change his position. He will be thoughtfully missed by all."

Battaglia is survived by his wife Margie; their son Joseph Anthony Battaglia (a wilderness EMT); and their daughter, Holly Regina Battaglia, (a psychology and journalism major with an interest in nutrition). They will carry on the family business in his spirit. Although his career and life revolved around a country store and chocolate shoppe in Vermont, he is buried in a family plot in his home state of Michigan.
 
Watch a travel video featuring Vermont Chocolatiers from CNN.com here.
 
To learn more about Tony’s work at Permatex, click here to read an Executive Interview with him from 2006.
 
Memorials in Battaglia’s name can be made to the following organizations:

Capuchins
1820 Mt. Elliott St.
Detroit MI 48207-3485
 
Leader Dogs for the Blind
P.O. Box 5000
Rochester MI 48308-5000