Dr. Basil L. Tehan

Dr. Basil L. Tehan, age 66, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at Crouse Irving Hospital in Syracuse with his children by his side. Born in Utica on November 10, 1942, Basil was the son of the late Louis B. and Victoria “Vicky” (Salem) Tehan. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and pursued his collegiate studies at LeMoyne College. He received his Master's Degree and Ph.D. in Physics at Clarkson University. On June 24, 1973 he married the love of his life, the former Bertha Kawam, with whom he shared nearly 28 years prior to her passing on May 9, 2001; Basil and Bertha shared an unconditional love, and he cherished her memory until the last day of his life. Upon graduation, Basil accepted a position as professor at Clarkson University. He then returned to Utica and for much of his life joined his family business, Tehan’s Wholesale, devoting many of his talents and contributing to the success of this unique enterprise. A special accomplishment in Basil’s life occurred when the business transitioned into the inception of "Only $1" retail stores. This venture expanded with tremendous success of which he was very proud. During retirement, he returned to his other passion of teaching when he accepted appointments at area colleges, including Hamilton, MVCC, SUNY Institute of Technology, and HCCC. Basil was a people-oriented person and he took the time to share a moment with others. He was a true gentleman and a devoted family man, passionately proud of his children and family, and his generosity of time and commitment to them was unparalleled. His greatest attribute was his humble nature which bestowed a legacy of outstanding admirable qualities of his hard work ethic, commitment to family, and his gentle persona. An active man, for many years he was an avid runner. He was a devout member of St. Basil’s Melkite Church and served on the parish council, participating in numerous parish activities, and attending devotional novenas. The Tehan family at this time mourns the loss of Basil’s mother, Victoria, who passed away earlier on Wednesday, the day of Basil’s passing. Basil is survived by his children, Victoria and Timothy Keil of Cicero, Louis B. and Wendy Tehan of VA, Elizabeth and Daniel Cornell of Cicero, and Joseph Tehan of NV; and his grandchildren, Andrew, Ryan, and Brandon; Olivia, and Lillian. Survivors also include his siblings and their families, Robert J. and Kamleh Tehan of New Hartford, Frederick J. and Kathleen Tehan of Marcy, Richard J. and Joanne Tehan, Steven A. and Kathleen Tehan, all of New Hartford, and Marianne and Seth Gordon of Clifton Park; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his aunt, Elizabeth Salem; and his in-laws, Joseph Kawam, John Anthony Kawam, Nadia Casab, Bernadette Wojcik, Renee Yvette Kawam, and Lorraine Kawam. Basil was also blessed with many loyal and longtime friendships. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, George Kawam, and Pierre Kawam; and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Kawam. Visitation for Basil and his mother, Victoria, will be shared Friday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Funeral services will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Basil’s Melkite Church where the Divine Liturgy for both will be celebrated by Msgr. Julien Eliane assisted by Deacon Dan Klockowski. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum.

Dr. Basil L. Tehan

November 10, 1942 - August 19, 2009