Jesse Brown Battle III

It is with profound sadness that the family of Jesse Brown Battle III — known to family and friends as Big Jess — announces his passing on the morning of June 16, 2026, at Bay Pines VA Hospital, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure.

A fourth-generation St. Petersburg native, Jesse was a proud son of the city that shaped him, spending most of his life in the Crescent Heights neighborhood he loved. A graduate of St. Petersburg High School, he went on to serve his country with distinction in the United States Navy aboard a nuclear submarine, including patrols beneath the Arctic ice — service he carried with quiet pride throughout his life. He built a long and successful career in real estate and construction, leaving his mark on the city he called home.

A devoted Mason and Shriner for the better part of his lifetime, Jesse believed deeply in giving back. Through his time, his generosity, and his unwavering character, he spent his life supporting those in need — never seeking recognition, only ever wanting to help.

Above all, Jesse loved his wife, Carolyn Savino. For 37 years, the two were inseparable — partners in every adventure, every ride, and every quiet moment in between. Whether cooking out at home, exploring restaurants around the city, or escaping to the mountains, they built a life together that was truly their own. Theirs was a rare and enduring love.

An avid Harley-Davidson rider, Jesse found his greatest joy on the open road — riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with Carolyn on the back and attending Daytona Bike Week each year with his son and close friends. The road, the rumble, and the people he loved beside him — that was Big Jess at his happiest.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Carolyn Savino; his son, Jesse Battle IV, and his cherished granddaughter, Alyssa Battle; his son's fiancée, Kym Coyle, and her children, Keaton and Kensie Coyle; and his stepson, John Nelson.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. M.L. King Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704.

Rest easy, Big Jess. The road goes on.