Eugene D. Bassett

Eugene D. Bassett, 90, Daytona Beach, passed away April 16, 2008 at Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach. Gene was born July 5, 1917 in Newport, R.I., Gene grew up, married and started his family in Providence, R.I. He moved his family to Miami in 1956 and after retirement moved to the Daytona Beach area.With a big sense of adventure, and his mother and father's blessing, Gene went to sea sailing tall ships during the summers beginning at the tender age of 11. Gene was a war time graduate of the Coast Guard school in New London, Connecticut and joined the Merchant Marines where he was able to enjoy his passion of the open sea navigating and piloting ships all over the world. Gene left his love for the open sea to take a job in Rhode Island so that he could be with his wife and family. After a long and successful life, Gene fell ill unexpectedly and passed away peacefully with his daughter Jean, by his side. A retired executive of Federated/Allied stores, Gene's greatest joys were his family, fishing and word search puzzles and his pet cat, kitty. Gene was predeceased by his Parents, Thomas and Minnie Bassett and his adored wife of 62 years, Dorothy Bassett on Nov.15, 2006. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Jean Bassett Georgi, Susan Bassett Means; sons, Thomas Bassett, Michael Bassett; brothers, William Bassett, Thomas Bassett; and cousin, Dorothy Fields; nine grandchildren: granddaughters, Deena Duran, Linda Kane, Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa, Susanne Reynold, Michelle Bassett, Melissa Bassett; grandsons, John Eugene Henton, Kevin Lunger, Mason Means; and nine-great grandchildren. The family would like to add special thanks to Debbie Smith, Schemetta Davis, Karen Oglesby and Don's Barber Shop for their love and attention. There will be a private interment at Florida National Cemetery.