April 15, 1927 - December 9, 2012
COOPERSTOWN - Joseph F. Basile, a devoted family man and skilled cabinet maker, passed away just before Noon Sunday, December 9, 2012, at Otsego Manor with his loving family at his side. He was 85.
Born April 15, 1927, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Queens, he was a son of Dominick and Mary (DeMayo) Basile.
Raised in the Far Rockaway section of Queens, Joe learned early on the value of hard work, which was well-exemplified by his family. After attending a trade school, he worked as a skilled wood craftsman, and also learned the trade of shoe repair, another family business. Always good with his hands, Joe became a skilled woodworker, a trade that served him well throughout his life.
On May 29, 1949, Joe married another native of Queens, Phyllis Maiorino, in a ceremony at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Far Rockaway.
In 1972 Joe and his family moved to Hartwick, and was employed with Ed Phillips Construction Company in Cooperstown; however, they came to realize his woodworking capabilities and urged him to go off on his own in the field of cabinetry. In 1978, he started Joe Basile Speciality Millwork based in Index.
Never one to sit idle, Joe was always working on something, and had a knack for being able to fix anything. He was also a talented drummer and played and even conducted in big band-style bands. Most especially, he will be remembered for being a wonderful husband and family man, who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Phyllis, of Index; two sons, Michael J. Basile and his wife, Claudia, and Alan P. Basile and his wife, Peggy, all of Index; one daughter, Joann M. Zeh and her husband, Bernie, of Hartwick; seven grandchildren, John Basile and his wife, Jennifer, of Hyde Park, Katherine Basile of Rockville, Maryland, Joe Basile of Ballston Lake, Bernie Zeh III, Christopher Zeh, Dominick Zeh and Michelle, Zeh, all of Hartwick; one great granddaughter, Kaylee Basile; and one sister, Evelyn Fabrizio of Oceanside, Long Island.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Louis and Frank Basile.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2012, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church, Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding.
Friends may call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, from 5-7 p.m.
As an alternative to flowers, those who so desire may direct memorial donations to the Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2, 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.
