Matthew "Matt Batt" Battistini passed away suddenly on August 4, 2026. Born in Bradford, he was the third child and second son of Millie and Fred Battistini. Matt enjoyed an idyllic childhood on Kensington Avenue, where he could often be found jumping the fence to the Hunking School fields to play sports until the sun went down.

A proud 1978 graduate of Haverhill High School, Matt was a legendary star athlete in both football and track. He held the Massachusetts state shotput record for several decades and was twice honored as a Boston Globe All-Scholastic athlete. His remarkable legacy was cemented as one of the inaugural inductees into the Haverhill Athletic Hall of Fame, alongside his brother, Rick. Matt continued his education and athletic career at Northeastern University, where he remained a standout performer in track and field.

Matt’s professional journey began with the Massachusetts State Highway Department, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He eventually joined the family business, Haverhill TV and Appliance on Washington Street, working alongside his father, his cousin Frankie, and his brother Rick in the enterprise founded by his grandfather, Mario, in 1921. Matt and Rick continued to run the business together until 2020. Throughout his life, Matt maintained a deep passion for fitness; he was a constant presence at local skating rinks, on his bike, or rollerblading, playing softball, and shooting hoops or lifting weights at the gym. A devoted Boston sports fan, he also cherished his frequent trips to California to visit close friends.

In retirement, Matt found peace and joy at the family home at Seabrook Beach, New Hampshire. A beloved fixture on the Seacoast, he was known for his vibrant personality and his innate ability to light up any room. He had a story for everyone he met and was the kind of man who would truly give the shirt off his back to those he loved.

Matt is survived by his siblings Rick Battistini and wife Michele of South Freeport, Risa Harrington and husband, Danny of Newburyport and Andria Kapp and her husband Steve of Newburyport. He also leaves behind the love of his life Diane Martinec of Seabrook Beach. Matt was a cherished uncle to Adam Kapp, Risa Annicchiarico and husband Joe and Nina Harrington; and a proud great-uncle to Luca and Chloe Annicchiarico.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 9, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Celebration of Matt's Life will be held on Monday in the funeral home at 11:30 AM. Private family interment will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Newburyport. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Matt’s memory to the Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport, 57 Wingate Street, Suite #301, Haverhill, MA 01832. In the future, the family hopes to establish a scholarship fund in his honor. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com