INDIANAPOLIS – Journeyman/ Stagehand/ Rigger Joe Battista passed on Tuesday, July 7th at the age of 73, from a three way automobile accident on the north side of town. Joe has been a long time member of the IATSE Local 30 in Indianapolis and a well-known figure to all technicians who passed through town and had the pleasure of working with him.
Battista was a local legend in the Indianapolis production world. Well respected by all, it has been said that Joe loved to teach anyone that was willing to learn from this master rigger.
In addition to his local work, Battista spent years as a touring rigger and stage manager for many touring acts such as John Mellencamp.
Born August 30, 1946, Joe lived his entire life in Indiana with stints at Purdue University and The University of Indiana. He went on to work in the military as a submariner in the 60’s.
More details about Battista’s next of kin and funeral arrangements will be added to this post as they become available.
