Robert "Rock" Basi

Mr. Robert “Rock” Basi, age 65, of New Hartford, passed away on Monday, January 14, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on April 26, 1942, Robert is the son of Dorothy (Abiusi) Basi and the late Rocco Basi. He was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School in 1960. He furthered his studies at Utica College, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree, and in the early 2000’s made an important commitment in his life by earning his Master’s Degree in Education from Touro College. On April 18, 1987 he married the former Carmella (DeRocco) Ambrosi. Truly in love, Rock and Carmella relied on each other through life’s adversities and were as much in love at the end as the day they first met. Rock was employed by the U. S. Postal Service for 35 years, retiring in 1992. A sharp entrepreneur, he pursued numerous business ventures with much perseverance. He was a skilled and ingenious carpenter who was proud of his many accomplishments. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge in his secondary vocation as a substitute teacher. He was conscientious and adventuresome in all his endeavors and had a tremendous amount of energy. He lived each day to the fullest and shared that enthusiasm so openly, always with a personal awareness of others’ feelings. He affirmed a sense of thoughtfulness and appreciation for everyone he knew and in his own right he had a very successful life. Inspired by his traditional nature, he honored the holidays and took an active role in the preparations and the entertainment with much hospitality. His actions were well thought through and were always based on his family’s best interest. Rock was a “joiner” and his civic and social affiliations were important to him. He was a member of the American Legion Post #229, the Sons of Italy Lodge, the former Moose Lodge, and he will be remembered for his participation in many other local organizations. He held a passion for fishing and found peace and pleasure in his travels to Maine and Florida. A very spiritual man, Rock was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church and a member of its Holy Name Society. He was involved in parish life, and was a member of the St. Cosmo and St. Damiano Society and was supportive of its many fundraisers. Rock is survived by his devoted wife, Carm; his mother, Dorothy Basi of Clearwater, Florida; his father-in-law, Rocco A. DeRocco, Sr.; his children and their companions, Michelle Morelli, Michael Basi and Maria Testa, Joseph and Darlene Basi, James and Dennise Basi, Denise Ambrosi and Ellie Della Penna, Mark and Lori Ambrosi, and Karla and John Spina; and his grandchildren, Michael and Rocco; Joseph, Samantha, and Salvatore; James; Alessandra and Tori; J.J. Nicholas and Andrew. Survivors also include his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Bartholomew A. “Bart”, Sr. and Carol Basi of IL; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his aunt, Grace Marchitelli; his in-laws, Steve Smith, Mary Lou Nolan and Larry Browne, Frank and Donna DeRocco, Rocco A. DeRocco, Jr. and R. J. Middlemiss. He was also blessed with many wonderful, longtime, and loyal friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Ann Smith; his aunt, Josephine Spina, with whom he had a special relationship; and his brother-in-law, William F. “Bill” Nolan. The family offers heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Pasi A. Janne, Dr. Chandrajit P. Raut, and Nurse Practitioners Margaret McMullin at Dana Farber in Boston, MA; Dr. Mathew Ulahannan, Dr. Atul V. Butala, Dr. Samson A. Pachikara, and the nurses and staff of Allen Calder 3E of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center who were outstanding in assisting Rock and his family through a difficult time with much grace and compassion. Thanks also to Fr. Anthony LaFache for his friendship throughout the years. In keeping with Rock’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Robert "Rock" Basi

April 26, 1942 - January 14, 2008