IN MEMORIAM: Phyllis Basile, 90;

Bookkeeper Moved To Hartwick

COOPERSTOWN – Phyllis Basile, 90, mother of the longtime former Hartwick Fire Company #2 fire chief and a Queens native who relocated to Hartwick, passed away at Midnight on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

Born Aug. 4, 1928, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Queens, she was one of seven children of Mauro and Marie (Croce) Maiorino.

Raised in the Far Rockaway section of Queens, Phyllis met and fell in love with another native of Queens, Joseph F. Basile, and they were married May 29, 1949, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Far Rockaway. They spent their honeymoon in Atlantic City and liked it so much they returned there many times during their 63 years of marriage.

In 1972 the Basiles moved to Hartwick, and she became the bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Joe Basile Speciality Millwork based in Index, which he opened in 1978.

When she was younger she knitted and crocheted many items, and throughout her life she never passed up the chance for a good card game and always enjoyed reading. She will especially be remembered for her love of shopping.

Phyllis will be greatly missed by her children, Alan P. Basile and wife, Peggy, of Cooperstown, and Joann M. Zeh and husband, Bernie, of Hartwick; a daughter-in-law, Claudia D. Basile of Index; seven grandchildren, John Basile and wife, Jennifer, Katherine Basile, Joe Basile and wife, Erica, Bernie Zeh III and wife, Kate, Christopher Zeh, Dominick Zeh and Michelle Zeh and husband, Cole; and four great granddaughters, Kaylee Basile, Rebecca and Raelynn Ryon and Isabella Zeh.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joe Basile, who died Dec. 9, 2012, a son, Michael Joseph Basile, who died Jan. 18, 2014, and all of her siblings.

Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. At 6:30 p.m., a service will be offered in the funeral home, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, Cooperstown, presiding.

As an alternative to flowers, those who so desire may direct memorial donations to Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2, 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.