Obituary: Alfred J. Basso

He was born Oct. 4, 1929, in Tenafly, N.J. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson College, in Teaneck, N.J. In 1950, he went to work at Atlantic Aviation as a shipping clerk, prior to serving during the Korean Conflict. He moved his family to Hockessin, Del., in 1971, as his professional responsibilities expanded. In 1986, he retired as Senior Vice President for Operations, completing a 36-year career. Subsequent positions included Vice President of Support and Aircraft Modification at Page Avjet in Orlando, and Vice President of Sales for International Turbine Service Inc., in Grapevine, Texas. During his career, Al traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, affording him the opportunity to see the world. He loved to share his travel experiences with his family and friends.

 Al was an avid gardener and spent years planting, tending to and harvesting the food that fed his large family, especially during his years in Delaware. It was his hobby and his passion, and a love of all things “food” that he has passed along to his loved ones. He published two family cookbooks that are treasured possessions to each of his eight children. More importantly, it’s a testament to his love of family and time spent around a table sharing laughter and daily events. Al’s other passion was his Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies … he followed them extensively no matter where he lived.

 Al was a member of the Hyde Park community in Winter Garden, where he was a former president of the Homeowners Association and a longtime member of Resurrection Catholic Church.

 He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Gerry; eight children, Mary Pat Moore (Ben), of Healdsburg, Calif.; James Basso, of Wilmington, Del.; Alfred J. Basso Jr. (Debbie), of Wilmington, Del.; Christopher Basso, of San Francisco, Calif.; Carolyn Plyler (Mark), of Lawrenceville, N.J.; Annmarie Boelter (Karl), of Vienna, W. Va.; Gerald Basso, of Winter Garden; and Elizabeth Cheplick (Dennis), of Clermont; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Basso, of Tenafly, N.J., and Grace Basso Nelson, of Oakridge, N.J.; and sister, Marion Frank, of Wayne, N.J.

 A Memorial Mass will be held to celebrate Al’s blessed and complete life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cornerstone Hospice, 8009 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32809.

To express online condolences, visit woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.