Daniel Edward Battles

Daniel Edward Battles of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, formerly of Merrimack, New Hampshire and East Montpelier, Vermont, died May 3, 2026.

Dan was born on December 6, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, the first child of Frieda Marie Hack Battles and Edward Daniel Battles. He attended Montpelier High School in Vermont and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1960 with a B.A. in English, with an emphasis on Journalism. While there, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and a participant in the ROTC program. He married first wife Linda Babineau the day after graduating, and a short time later was admitted to Officer Training, Intelligence School and Parachute Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Military Intelligence. Dan made two tours of duty to Vietnam from 1964-1969, flying more than 25 missions over enemy territory. He was awarded the Bronze Star, and in 1968 was promoted to Major. In 1969, he was assigned stateside to the 108th MI Group, Boston office, and in 1975 he reported to the Army Chief of Staff for Intelligence in Washington, DC. He was released from active duty in 1977, but continued his career in New England, specializing in defense contracts and security, retiring in the early 2000s.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife of 36 years, Renate Arnim Waller, daughter Deborah Elizabeth Riordan (Brian), son Bruce William (Jean), and son Scott Michael (Brew).

He is survived by his son Edward Daniel (Elizabeth) of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, daughter Lisa Waller Gage (Gary) and son Christian Waller (Theresa), of Merrimack, New Hampshire; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; sister Jean Marie Cassani (Anthony) and sister Katherine Battles Kohl (Allan).

Dan’s family, friends and colleagues will cherish the memory of his easy charm, goofy grin and quirky sense of humor; his determination to persevere in the face of challenges; and his deep love of family and country.

Auf Wiedersehen, Dan, ruhe in Frieden. Wir werden dich nicht vergessen.
Until we meet again, Dan, rest in peace. We won’t forget you.

Visitation will be held at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 at from 10 - 11:15 am with a service in the funeral home chapel at 11:15. Burial with military honors will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen NH at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at https://www.nhvca.org