UGA athletics mourns the passing of Ernie Battinelli

Ernie Battinelli, who served the University of Georgia Athletic Association for two decades, passed away Wednesday in Athens.

Battinelli has been a mainstay within the Athletic Association, catering events and game days, while serving student-athletes on a daily basis at the grab-and-go station. Battinelli had a distinguished career in the restaurant business and became a familiar face at Georgia athletic events.

In 2019, he was awarded the Bill Powell Service Award. The Athletic Association gives the honor annually to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service in working with the Association.

“Ernie was the absolute best,” J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said. “If you went to an athletic event of any kind at the University of Georgia, most likely Ernie was going to be there with a delicious meal and a smile on his face. He was such a loyal member of our Bulldog family, and I know I speak for everyone in the Athletic Association when I say he will be greatly missed. Our hearts ache for his family and friends, and we will continue to keep them in our prayers during this difficult time.”

Arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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