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William Bassett Obituary
Greenfield, MA - William (Bill) Francis Bassett, Jr., 84, of Greenfield, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at Charlene Manor. Born July 27, 1941, in Montague, Massachusetts, he was the son of William Francis Bassett, Sr., and Ellen Katherine (Dubreuil) Bassett.
Bill graduated from Greenfield High School in 1959 and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts. An Eagle Scout, Bill carried a lifelong commitment to leadership and service into a distinguished career as an art teacher, vice principal, and principal at Greenfield High School.
In 1963, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Rose-Marie. After beginning their family in Niskayuna, New York, they returned to Greenfield in 1966, where Bill devoted his life to his family, students, church, and community. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and mentor.
A gifted artist, Bill shared his love of art through teaching and community projects, including student-painted murals in Greenfield during the 1980s. His artwork has been displayed in Greenfield City Hall, private residences, and galleries throughout New England.
Bill's service extended beyond education. He coached football and track, volunteered with the YMCA, and served for many years as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. He was also an active volunteer at Blessed Trinity Parish.
He is survived by his wife, Rose-Marie; his children, William Edward and Jennifer Lyn; his brother, Edward; daughter-in-law Kathie; grandchildren Cooper, Lucia, and Sam; and his niece and nephew. He was predeceased by his parents.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church of the Blessed Trinity Parish, 135 Main St., Greenfield, followed by a reception in the Fr. Casey Hall. All who wish to honor Bill's life are welcome.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bassett
Maureen Sky
January 30, 2026
I started working clerically in the Main Office at Greenfield High School as a young teenager via a local youth program that assigned me to work at the High School under the support and direction of Betty Nee (Principal's secretary at GHS for many years). After graduating from GHS in 1971, I had the privilege of working with Bill and Rosemarie Bassett for more than 20 years in the main office as a full-time secretary. I also worked with his daughter, Jennifer, for a short time while she filled in clerically for a secretary there. I have such fond memories of those days, and Bill was one of my favorite people there as he also helped me through a challenging time that involved my placement on the Secretarial Scale while he was Principal there. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing and my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Maureen (Interlande) Sky
Wendy Foxmyn
January 11, 2026
Enjoyed working with Bill on the cable commission. We learned a lot from him. Grateful he painted scenes around Greenfield and captured the very last Howard Johnsons. A very talented man. Condolences to the family.
Bonnie Warwick
January 10, 2026
My earliest memory of Billy was a seventh grade dance where we both played the accordion. He was a master and I was of "Lady of Spain "ability. I laugh about it to this day. He was a great guy and he and Rose Anne were a great couple.
Carrieann Rondeau/ Richardson
January 9, 2026
I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Bills passing. He was my favorite teacher and later a great confident to me being a substitute teacher. He always had a smile no matter what whether it be at school at the grocery store at holy Trinity he always had a kind word I'm sure he will be missed May our Lord Jesus Christ drop his loving arms around you at this time May the perpetual light shine upon him
Please accept my sincere condolences sending hugs and prayers
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Don Cronk
January 9, 2026
I remember Bill from GHS the 70s. Always with a kind word, as well as his wife. Hanging around the Media Center through High School with him probably kept me out of more trouble than I managed to get in. I still remember Bill and smile.
michele marie couture
January 9, 2026
I wish I could be there for you but I am not able to be there for the celebration.After "the kids" were at Camp Apex I re connected with them early mornings at The Y.I pointed out to the present Y stff that one of his best paintings beautifully shows the OLD Y and presently hangs in the conference room there.With love and sincere sympathy.Michele Couture Hazlett
David T Till
January 9, 2026
Had Mr. Bassett in high school, was a great mentor and teacher. Jen and family I am sorry for your loss. Dave Till
Michael Brule
January 8, 2026
Mr. Bassett was in charge of the Media Center at Greenfield High School while I was a student there (1971-1974). My memories of working with him and other students at the Media Center are among the fondest of my youth. My condolences to his family. Godspeed, Mr. Bassett!
Matt,Cindy and James Sykes.
January 8, 2026
A great neighbor who cared about the street we live on. Bill and Rose-Marie are such caring and wonderful people. The street has changed for the better all because of them.RIP Bill, you will always be remembered.
BILL BURNS
January 8, 2026
Great man and friend!
Doreen Cavanagh
January 8, 2026
to William Bassett's family I am sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Bill and Rose Marie from Holy Trinity church. Doreen Cavanagh
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
January 8, 2026
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. The MassArt community is thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember William.
Ralph Odom
January 8, 2026
To the Bassett family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you on your loss. Bill was a great Man/Teacher/Mentor and Friend. His smile and the twinkle of his eyes were a constant indication of his Caring nature.
He made my years at GHS some of my fondest memories.
Andy Seremeth
January 7, 2026
Bill and I were classmates at GHS. We had some good times those many years ago. I last saw Bill and Rose-Marie at our last GHS class reunion, just a few years ago.
Bill, RIP my friend.
Jean Bassett
January 7, 2026
My condolences to Rose Marie an family.
Martha Smith
January 7, 2026
Our family lived next door to Bill and Rose Marie. Our family could not ask for better neighbors. I babysat Bill and Jen. During the summer, Bill ran an art camp. Anytime he was outside doing projects he was singing delta dawn. His voice still echos in my head. I remember the summer bbqs our family had and swimming in the pool. Bill always had a smile on his face he will be missed.
Nicole Gadreault
January 7, 2026
I started my life-long career as an Administrative Assistant over 30 years ago at Greenfield High School. Bill was the Principal at the time. He was a wonderful man and a fantastic Administrator to work for. My deepest sympathy to the family.
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