Frank Joseph Battaglia

Frank Joseph Battaglia 
April 20, 1951 – March 27, 2020 

Frank Joseph Battaglia, MD, FACOG, JD, of Houston, Texas, left this world on March 27, 2020, at the age of 68. He was the proud son of Anthony Joseph Battaglia and Agnes Louise Ottaviani. 

Known as Dr. B, he was often said to be larger than life because he did everything in a big way. An accomplished jazz musician, Dr. B played every woodwind instrument, excelling at tenor and baritone saxophone. He was first call for touring acts with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Donna Summer and Marvin Gaye, and he played in the One O’Clock Lab Band at The University of North Texas from 1971-1973. He became a fixture on the jazz scene. While playing in the Buddy Brock Orchestra, he fell in love with and married the lead singer, Diane Landry. The two had one daughter, Lisa, who was his jewel. Everything he did, he did for his wife and daughter.

He went on to study medicine, serving as president of his graduating class at Baylor College of Medicine in 1979, then as Chief Resident. This launched his career as an esteemed and beloved Obstetrician Gynecologist. His adoring patients, who considered him family, credit him with saving their lives and bringing joy into the world. Dr. B delivered more than 10,000 babies over the course of his nearly 40-year medical career.

A constant student, Dr. B graduated with honors from the South Texas College of Law Houston at age 49, while also running his medical practice. He divided his time between caring for his patients at the hospital and defending patients in the courtroom.

After studying celestial navigation, he loved to sail his boat, the Lisa Diane, by the stars. He ran a successful cattle ranch, The Rocking 3 B, in Giddings, Texas, where he rode his beloved horse, Augustus, named after his favorite character in his favorite movie, Lonesome Dove. He and Augustus led cattle drives from Colorado to Montana. He knew every note John Coltrane ever played, and he moonlighted with the Houston Symphony Pops, playing baritone sax. He was often seen at the hospital rounding on his patients while wearing his tux after his gigs. During the day, he lived in his blue scrubs and cowboy boots. He had a way of lightening the mood with his arsenal of jokes, and a way of tenderly caring for those around him, always putting everyone before himself. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all who loved him.

Dr. B is proceeded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Battaglia. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Battaglia Sursavage and her husband, Mark Sursavage; the love of his life, Diane Landry; his sister, Margaret Battaglia Harris and her husband Sam Harris; his niece Talia Alyssa Dudley, her husband Michael Dudley and their two sons, Parker and Jude; his devoted friend and caregiver, Terri Kahlden; and his caregivers and support team, Donald Eiland and Jo Ellstrom.

A memorial honoring this incredible man will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to HSPVA Friends for The Frank Battaglia Fund, benefiting the Jazz Program at Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. To give, visit www.hspvafriends.org/battagliafund or mail to HSPVA Friends, PO Box 52910, Houston, Texas 77052.

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