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Monte BASBAS Obituary
92, of Concord, MA (formerly of Wayland, Sudbury, and Newton) left us peacefully, on May 25, 2013 after a brief illness. He was the youngest of six children born to George and Rose Basbas of Manchester N.H. He was a Hall of Fame athlete at Manchester Central High, and graduated from Kimball Union Academy and Dartmouth College. In 1942 college was interrupted by WWII and he went to the Pacific Theatre from the first collegiate flying squadron. He flew P-38's in the 5th Air Force, 25th Photo - Recon. Squadron, earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, two air medals and eight battle stars over 62 missions throughout the Pacific. While completing college and Boston University Law School, he remained in the Air Force Reserves as a Captain (Judge Advocate General) until 1959. Married in 1948 to Audrey (Vagiates) Basbas he was Asst. City Clerk and City Clerk in Newton for nineteen years. In 1966 he served as Mayor of Newton for three terms. In 1972 he was appointed a District Court Judge and presided in Newton until retirement in 1990. Monte served on two college Boards, BU Law Alumni, six gubernatorial appointments to advisory boards, a large variety of public service memberships and chairs from scouting to higher education. He built schools and roads and responsible government. He promoted 1st class police work and outstanding fire response systems. The list of honors, awards, associations, and leadership positions is staggering as his tireless efforts and boundless energy flourished for over six decades. A lifetime member of the NAACP he was as comfortable at Temple Reyim as he was as an Archon Deputy of the Greek Orthodox Church. As important as it was to accomplish the first "air rights" in America (now Shaw's Supermarket Turnpike/Overpass) he was a true and committed friend to so many of the men and women with whom he shared in these efforts. All the while, this active Shriner was also a devoted husband of sixty three years, father of three, and grandfather of five children. His family was blessed with his examples of hard work and service, and with him they enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, photography and travel (by auto) to all lower forty-eight states where the wonders of this magnificent country and its people were revealed first hand. He was, to his fifty family members, the "go to" patriarch for decades. He had a strong unspoken belief that each of one's personal actions has a lasting influence on those who are yet to occupy our space. He truly believed in the future and acted in a manner to see that current endeavors created a better future for those to come. His friendly warm smiles, handshakes and bear hugs will be missed by many, but not forgotten. Calling hours are 5pm-9pm on Thursday May 30, 2013 at the Andrew J. Magni and Son Funeral Home, 365 Watertown Street, NEWTON, MA. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to New England Deaconess, 80 Deaconess Road, Concord, MA 01742.
Andrew J. Magni & Son F.H., Newton
www.magnifuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Monte BASBAS
Dottie Perkins (MacKinnon)
May 21, 2025
I remember Mr. Basbas from a young child coming dressed as Santa, calling him on it . I remember him along with my Dad Chief Frederick A. Perkins, Jr., going to the Jester´s Monte dressed as a Keystone Cop and that was a site to see. I remember going to their home on Kirkstall road and working for Audrey at Filene´s, Cabot School with John. All great memories.
Dottie Perkins Mackinnon
May 21, 2024
Mr. Bass bass as I called him as a child came every year dressed as Santa. He was City Clerk then. He was a Jester with my Dad. They went to a time Me. Basbas was dressed as a Keystone Cop oh did he look funny. Mrs . Basbas, John, Audrey, and Monte he is missed along with my Dad. They were funny. I was able to walk in the Mayor´s office anytime. I then took many cases in front of him when he was a Judge. At my Dad´s retirement he said I was an up and coming lawyer. He gave a wonderful eulogy at my Dad´s funeral, thank you for the pleasure of being a large part of my life. Dottie Perkins MacKinnon.
Paul Driscoll
September 11, 2018
I CANNOT BELIEVE I MISSED THE PASSING OF JUDGE BASBAS. ONE OF MY FAVORITE JUDGES IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. ONE DAY I WAS IN HIS OFFICE AND I SPOTTED A MODEL OF A P-38 ON HIS DESK. I LOOKED
AT IT AND SAID TO NO ONE IN PARTICULAR.
"NICE P-38"
I THINK IT'S A K OR AN L. JUDGE SAYS, YOU KNOW
ABOUT THESE PLANES? I SAY, YES SIR, SINCE 1953.
JUDGE ASKED ME HOW OLD I WAS IN 53, I SAID, 9.
WE BOTH LAUGHED. HE SAID, "I FLEW THEM DURING THE WAR." WITH EYES BIG LIKE DUSENBERG HEADLIGHTS, I SAID, "YOU DID?" REALLY? HE GOT A LITTLE DEFENSIVE AND SAID, I WAS A LOT THINNER THEN.
I SAID "OH OK" JUDGE WAS HUGE, HE WAS LIKE A COKE MACHINE WITH ARMS AND LEGS.PLUS HE HAD A SENSE OF HUMOR THAT WAS LIKE A SEABAG FULL OF
MAD-LIBS.
THIS ONE TIME I WAS IN THE NEWTON COURT IN
CIVILIAN ATTIRE. I'M SITTING IN THE GALLERY
BEHIND THREE KIDS THAT ARE BRAGGING TO EACH OTHER AND THE ONE THAT GAVE THEM A RIDE TO COURT. ONE BROKE INTO A PACKAGE STORE, STOLE
BEER AND OTHER STUFF. THE SECOND ONE BROKE
INTO AN ELECTRONIC STORE AND STOLE TAPES AND
RECORDING EQUIPMENT. I'M WRITING THIS INFO ON
MY HAND. I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW I'M
GOING TO GET ALL THREE OF THEM TO THE POLICE COURT OFFICER. A NEWTON PD SERGEANT. THEN AS
IF BY MAGIC.
JUDGE BASBAS SAYS, "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I
WANT TO WELCOME TROOPER PAUL DRISCOLL TO THE
COURT THIS MORNING. TPR DRISCOLL IS A WRITER
IN THE STATE POLICE NEWSPAPER, APTLY CALLED
"TROOPER" HE IS AN ENGAGING WRITER AND I GET
A LOT OF FUN, READING HIS ARTICLES"
IN MY BEST CHIEF DRISCOLL VOICE, I SAID,
"GOOD MORNING YOUR HONOR, ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BE IN YOUR COURT!" THEN I LEANED FORWARD, AND
SAID TO THE 3 NITWITS. "GO OVER TO THE NEWTON
POLICE SERGEANT RIGHT NOW." WE DID, AND I
EXPLAINED TO THE SGT. WHO DID WHAT AND THEIR
CASE WAS HEARD THAT DAY.
MONTY WAS A NICE MAN AND A GOOD GUY. THAT AND
A REAL GUY. NOT A PHONY OUNCE IN HIS WHOLE BEING. I STILL HAVE HIS VOICE IN MY HEAD.
TO MONTY,E HO'OMAHA ME KA MALUHIA
REST IN PEACE YOUR HONOR.
I'M SO LUCKY TO HAVE KNOWN YOU.
Kevin Amundsen
July 13, 2016
Truly a great man who made the world a better place. Remembering his warm smile and great understanding. He welcomed others with zeal and wisdom. So sorry to learn of his passing. His life was lived with purpose and effect.
December 28, 2013
I was saddened to hear of the passing of my Godfather, Monte Basbas. He was a great person that I have the fondest memories of. Rest in peace.
Monte Badasarian
West Chester PA
December 9, 2013
Dear Monte,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I am sure your wonderful memories of your dad will sustain you during this difficult time...
Marina Selby
George Dragnich
November 19, 2013
Judge Basbas flew with my uncle in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Tragically, my uncle (after whom I was named) was killed after the war, when his plane crashed in Japan.
My son, currently a pilot and Captain in the USAF, discovered Judge Basbas' amazaing web site of their WWII Photo Recon squadron when my son was an AFROTC cadet at WPI in Worcester. Imagine learning that Judge Basbas lived nearby!
When my wife and I were at WPI for my son's graduation and commissioning in 2008, we drove over with my son to meet Judge Basbas and his gracious late wife, Audrey. They kindly hosted us for lunch. The Judge regaled us with war stories and shared accounts which we had never heard about my uncle -- e.g., he and my uncle flew the recon mission immediately behind the Enola Gay when it dropped the first atomic bomb. No one had briefed them on what to expect, so imagine their surprise at viewing the mushroom cloud. Of course, they flew straight through its radioactive atmosphere, but since Judge Basbas lived to 92, there were apparently no ill-effects.
Subsequent to our lunch, we stayed in touch, and Judge Basbas avidly followed my son's Air Force experiences (four tours in the Iraq and Afghan theatres). Judge Basbas could not have been more encouraging and supportive, and my son greatly appreciated the Judge's interest.
What a true gentleman Judge Monte Basbas was. We feel truly privileged to have have known him.
With heartfelt condolences,
George & Jane Dragnich
David Vincent
July 24, 2013
I just learned of Judge Basbas's passing. I never knew him, but the website he created devoted to his old wartime squadron is another great credit to him and his abilities. Rest in peace.
Nancy Wilcox
June 4, 2013
Audrey and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 3, 2013
Dear Monte, you should be so proud to have had such a great father.What a great life he lived helping others and serving are country. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.Pat Foley.
Bill Josephson
June 2, 2013
I went to Cabot School with Monte Jr and had the good fortune to meet Monte Sr at one of Monte Jr's elementary school age birthday parties.
A wonderful guy. You could tell family meant everything to him doing everything humanly possible ensuring it was a special day for his son and thrt his friends had a great time--a party to never forget.
Clearly loved his family, city, and country. I know being of school age most of his mayor time he helped make Newton an exceptional place to go go school and grow up.
And like so many others of his exceptional generation after just now reading all he selflessly accomplished, you never knew just how exceptional he was because he didn't advertise it. His actions speak for himself. Men like him are irreplaceable
My prayers go out to Monte Sr, and his family.
June 1, 2013
Audrey Ann, John and Monte,Jr.,
So sad to hear about Uncle Monte. No one in the family has broken Papou's record of 100,
but four of his children came close. We are
fortunate to have had many in our family live
into their 90's, but it is still painful when we lose
them. We picture a happy reunion in Heaven
right now, with the family unit back together
again. The youngest has come home! Had we
known he passed, we would have been there at
the calling hours on Thursday. We're thinking of all of you, and especially uncle Monte.
Cousin Marcia and Bob
June 1, 2013
Dear Basbas Family-
Judge Basbas was a wonderful man, and he will be missed. He always had a way of making me smile.
Erika LeFort
Newbury Court Reception
Stephen Pereira
May 31, 2013
To the Basbas Family:
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of Judge Basbas.
May 30, 2013
To the Basbas Family
Please accept my sympathy. I had the pleasure of sitting in
Newton with Judge Basbas on a regular basis for a number of years. It was a great experience and his kindness to me will
always be remembered.
Sincerely,
Judge Frederick V. Gilgun
May 30, 2013
As a former Alderman I knew Monte in the political arena. As a lawyer I knew him as the judge. He was always a good friend. Rest in peace my friend.
Mark White
May 30, 2013
Judge you will be missed my dear friend and boss. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to Monte Jr, John, Audrey Ann and their families. You know that Dave and I loved your dad and so enjoyed the times we had together professionally and socially. RIP Judge Basbas.
Love,
Dawn & Dave
May 29, 2013
Our Deepest sympathy for the loss.
WECA team.
Matt Garoian
May 29, 2013
Having grown up in Newton I knew the name of Monte Basbas, but only in the past months did I get the opportunity to meet Monte himself. I was delivering groceries to him and he broke into a huge grin when I recalled his being mayor in my youth. I'd noticed his model P-38 at his doorway and we quickly shared some WWII AAF talk, as my dad had been a B-24 pilot. The next opportunity I got I dropped by to visit Monte, to share with him that not only had I gone to Newton North I had done a post-graduate year at none other than KUA – his huge grin appeared yet again. I am so sad at his passing, but happy to have had the opportunity to share some time with him.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Le Alford
May 29, 2013
It was a complete joy to have known this very very special person.
May 29, 2013
My Front Desk at Newbury Court will never be the same. Mr.Basbas always asked me if I had eaten my dinner yet and did I have the lobster. He will have all the Lobster he wants now. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace my friend. Thanks for the smiles and always making me feel important.
- Dorinda Bell
Receptionit Newbury Court
Concord,Mass
Karen Gershman Hiller
May 29, 2013
You were the Mayor of my Childhood home Newton. RIP Mayor Basbas.
Drew Framson
May 29, 2013
As a Newton Police Officer, we all had true respect for Judge Basbas. He was truly a cop's judge. And by that, I don't imply that he was biased or unfair. He never let a defense attorney degrade, berate or insult us. He called us "His police officers, and I was proud to be one!
Frank & Fran
May 29, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Basbas family and to all who had the pleasure of knowing Judge Basbas. He was a great man with great big bear hugs. I had the pleasure of watching him in action for quite a few years in the late 80's when I worked in the DA's office. My husband who works at he NPD testified many times before him in Newton District Court. RIP Judge. May we all find comfort in knowing that his eternal memory live on forever within our hearts.
May 29, 2013
May he rest in peace, it was always a pleasure dealing with him as Mayor.
Noble Herb Aswad
Vinita Arora
May 28, 2013
Dear Audrey ,
My deepest sympathy are with you at this hour . May god give you the strength , take care
Vinita
India
June Gustafson
May 28, 2013
The Honorable Mayor Basbas married my parents 57 years ago. My prayers to this wonderful man, community leader and to his family, especially Audrey, someone I admired while growing up.
May 28, 2013
Dear Ariana and Family our thoughts are with you and your Family Love Ann Marie,Uncle Dave and Kim
Michele Cooke
May 28, 2013
To the family~I had the pleasure, so to speak, of meeting Monte when I was a child, in the early 60's. He would come to the political open houses at my parent's ~ it would be a nite of discussions and lots of laughter, smoke and food. Not sure if he was the one, but, many a time I would be woken up by the voices, each trying to talk over the other...I even remember once coming out of my room, it was rather late, and just standing there looking at all the adults..one voice said something like "oh, I think we are in trouble, we woke someone up"....and I believe Monte was the one who apologized. Several years later, when Newton held the Newton Cotillions at the Chestnut Hill CC, Monte was there. I introduced myself to him. He grabbed my hand and asked, "are your parents, Jackie & Larry?" I nodded yes, and replied, but my dad passed away several years ago. He gave me a very heartfelt condolence and hug me. Asked about my mom and asked to be remembered to her. I'll always remember this tall big bear of a man, being so gentle to a shy 16 yr old girl. I never saw or spoke to him again after that, but I made a point to always read anything that would mention his name. Even now, all these years later, I think fondly of those "parties" and all the various politicos who were there, and the big man who tried to reign them in, so I could go back to sleep. I am truly sorry for his passing and offer my condolences and prayers to his family .
Dick George
May 28, 2013
God speed your Honor, you were simply quite the best.
Dick George,
Newburyport
Dorothy Perkins MacKinnon
May 28, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Mrs. Basbas. We go back a few years to when you lived on Kirtstall road and I would play with John when in elementary school. Mr. Basbas would come to my house as Santa however, he never fooled me but was a great Santa. Years later both of you attended my wedding and Monte was toastmaster at my Dad's retirement party, Fred Perkins along with giving my family a wonderful eulogy at his funeral. My Dad and Monte were great friends and I can remember one time when they went to the Jester's and Monte dressed as a Keystone Cop. I also had the pleasure of going in front of him many times in Small Claims court for my business. I speak and think of him often. My very best to you, John, Audrey and Monte.
May 28, 2013
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Judge Baabas. I came home from Viet-Nam in 1969 and applied join the Newton Police Department. I was rejected by the City Doctor because of a injury received overseas. I was granted a personal interview with then Mayor Basbas. After hearing my story about getting injured, he called Chief William Quinn right on the spot and told him that I was now a member of the Newton P.D. Mayor Basbas took a chance on fellow veteran who had (still has) a back injury. I served for over 31 years and on many occasions appeared in the Newton District before Judge Monte Basbas. In 1971 when I was promoted to Sergeant, Judge Basbas put the entire court in recess and walked next door and stood near me as I was sworn in. I would never have had that moment (and all the others) if it were not for his faith in me. He will be missed.
Charles "Butch" McLean
Lieutenant, Newton P.D. (retired)
Michael and Walter Sullivan
May 28, 2013
To the Basbas Family:
Please accept mine and my dad's deepest sympathies. I had the great pleasure of knowing your dad. I first met him when my dad was serving as Mayor of Cambridge and then when I came to Newton District Court as an ADA. I learned a great deal from him.
You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Michael and Walter Sullivan
Deb Williams
May 27, 2013
Dearly loved Judge Monte will be remembered as a gentle man who treated everyone he encountered as an individual; whether on the bench passing judgment or a casual conversation with friends and families. He is the last of a generation of judges who truly believed that all people are one step away from an encounter with the courts; that understanding, compassion and the delivery of appropriate justice with high hopes that the person would not appear again.
His bear hugs, booming voice and willingness to share his knowledge, passion for photography and interest in computers as well as a multitude of other areas will always be his gift to me. I don't think I'll ever hold my camera again without Judge Monte coming to mind.
I feel blessed to have had the honor and privilege to call Judge Monte a wonderful and dear friend over 40+ years.
Bless you Monte. You served your nation, Commonwealth, City, colleges, constituents, employees, friends and family well. How rich we are because you were a part of our lives. Be at peace.
My deepest sympathy to John, Monte, Jr., and Audrey Ann at this terribly sad time. May your memories warm your hearts and in time bring smiles rather than tears.
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