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John P. Basile Sr.

1927 - 2024

John P. Basile Sr. obituary, 1927-2024, Bridgeport, CT

BORN

1927

DIED

2024

John Basile Obituary

John P. Basile Sr.
John P. Basile Sr. (aka Johnny B.) passed away on May 22nd, 2024, at the age of 96 at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida. He was born in Brooklyn, NY October 26th, 1927. He was the son of Nicholas Basile and Anna Sanserverino Vecchio. He had two sisters, Mary Recine (the oldest) and Lucrezia (Grace) Barbiero Odice (the youngest) and three older brothers and two older sisters.
He later moved to Connecticut where he received most of his education. As a young man, he attended St. Mary's School, The University School, The State Trade School (now known as Bullard Haven's Technical School) and received a high school diploma from Central High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944 and served in the Asiatic-Pacific on board the USS GENERAL A. E. ANDERSON. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1946. Previously, he had joined the Army and after boot camp his Mother informed them he was underage. He was honorably discharged from the Army as well.
Subsequently, he found work at the Bridgeport Sunday Herald as an apprentice pressman. His distinguished career in law enforcement commenced in 1952 when he joined the Bpt. Police Force. His career began with the dedication to achievement and public service which was typified in its entirety.
As a young patrolman, John received ten commendations for outstanding arrests in his first five years of service. During this period, he served on foot patrol in high crime areas and was later assigned to a patrol car. He received a commendation of special note, when he dove from a bridge into dangerous currents in order to save the life of an elderly man. John's bravery is equally complimented by his dedication to excellence. He has won many trophies at shooting competitions, and is one of the few men on the department to have attained a perfect 300 score. Perhaps the greatest tribute to the ability and dedication of this man is seen in his rise through police ranks. He has been successful on Civil Services tests for the ranks of: Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1961 and was assigned to be Commander of the Canine Corps. During this period, he was responsible for the training and supervision of fifteen men and their police dogs. The Canine Corps served the people of Bridgeport admirably under then Sergeant Basile with repeated commendations for the division's activities. In 1966, John was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned as Commander of the Bpt. Police Training Academy. His duties involved the development of a fifteen week training program for recruits and in-service training for active department members.
In 1970, John was made Commander of the Special Police Task Force. His duties included the development of a fifty three man special police force to serve in various Bpt. Housing projects. John developed mini police stations in each of the three projects and was responsible for their supervision.
In 1975 John was made Commander of Crime Prevention. At this time, he attended various educational institutions in study of crime prevention and made numerous visits to local business establishments and home owners as well as lectures to large groups, to educate the public in modern crime prevention. The outstanding achievement of John Basile in the Bpt. Police Department finally culminated in his promotion to the rank of Captain in 1979. His responsibilities at this point became most challenging since he was responsible for the activities of two lieutenants, five sergeants and forty-five patrolmen. While he subsequently left the Bpt. Police Force in 1981, his career had still progressed. Once a patrolman walking a foot patrol in a high crime area of Bpt. he achieved the position of Chief of Police of the Bethel Police Department for sixteen years. Chief John P. Basile had served with distinction, honor and bravery to the people of his community.
After he retired, finally, at the age of 70, he relocated to Spring Hill, Florida with his fiancé, Dolli Pavia (who succumbed to cancer and passed in 1999). He resided in a beautiful and active over fifty-five community, Timber Pines, where he enjoyed many activities. He once said, "We found our Garden of Eden in Timber pines (the greenery, the lakes and the wild life made each day a blessing to be here. We used to joke that I was afraid to die and go to heaven because it might not be as nice as Timber Pines." He loved his home with an amazing view, and loved to entertain and cook phenomenal meals for friends and family.
He played tennis 3 times a week until he was almost 95 and would go to the gym after each game; played 9 holes of golf weekly as well.
He golfed, played tennis, joined the bowling league, he whittled, made furniture in his own workshop. He was an amazing dog trainer, he played multiple instruments: piano, trumpet, saxophone, wind pipes, flute and loved his guitar the most. He sang at parties with a keyboard and was hired at local restaurants – it was pure joy for him.
In 2005, in Timber Pines he met the love of his life, Camille Axelson. Initially, neither wanted to meet the other, but, once they did they were inseparable. They shared so many memorable times together and the love they shared was so close and so admired and so eternal. They loved each other and they loved their life together in Timber Pines. They shared their love for their two dogs, Poochie, (deceased) and Pepe (who brought so many smiles and good times to them). In the summertime, they would stay in Westbrook, CT where he would continue playing and singing to locals and the many friends he acquired. They loved cruises and vacations and time spent with family and friends.
John was ever so proud of his family: his four children, his seven grandchildren, and his two great-grandchildren. He loved to enjoy time with them when he could, see photos when he could not, hear their stories, and make loving memories. He will be missed by all - his jokes, his smile, that incredible grin, his generosity and sense of humor, his hair, his ability to master anything he put his mind to, his warmth, even his stubbornness, but most of all his love for all of us.
John was predeceased by Nicholas (Nick) J.P. Basile, his son; Francis (Frankie) Barbiero his nephew; Mary Recine his sister; Anna Sanserverino Vecchio his mother; Nicholas Basile his father; Fay (Philomena) Basile his former wife; Dolli (Dorothy) Pavia his former fiancé; and three older brothers and two older sisters.
He is survived by Michael (& Deb) Basile – son; John P. (and Liza) Basile Jr. –son; Sandy (and John) Uliano – daughter; Mary Ann Recine (and Tony Dytko) –niece; Lucrezia (Grace) Odice – sister; Camille Axelson – life partner; Cindy (Cynthia) Basile – former wife; Mason Basile – grandson; Andrew Basile –grandson; Michael Basile II – grandson; Taylor (and Nicholas) Hatcher – granddaughter; Tiffany (and Bobby) Palmieri – granddaughter; Jessica Joudy –granddaughter; Nicole Basile (and Ray Blanar) – granddaughter; Bryce Maniscalco – great grandson and Bexley Rae Blanar – great-granddaughter and of course, last but not least, his beloved dog, Pepe.
A Memorial service will be held at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull, CT 06611 on Monday, September 9th, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon and presentation will follow - please join us - contact Sandy Uliano now (203-500-3556) if you plan to attend in order to appropriately organize head count. In remembrance and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "TP Medical Equipment Lending Program, Inc." at 8096 Sugarbush Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34606.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Connecticut Post on Aug. 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John Basile

Not sure what to say?





Lydia Espinosa

April 29, 2025

I am so sorry to find this notice of Nick's dad passing. My heart goes out to the family. My Nick, his son, has also passed, but, has been and will always be my true love. I miss him terribly. God bless you!

Jo Peschell

August 24, 2024

Dear Sandy, My condolences on your dad's passing. I often think of the good times I had with your mom & dad. You will probably remember me as having been their friend & working in City Court. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Gerald "Jerry" Salvucci

August 22, 2024

To the Basile Family-
It is with deepest sympathy I write to you. John was my training officer Second Precinct 1962. He was not only an instructor, but a good friend. In 1964 I was assigned to the Bridgeport K9 unit. Sergeant Basile was in charge. As the years went by, I got to know John better and he treated me as a friend. He was positively the best instructor, friend, police officer that you could ask for. So it is with deep respect and humility that I send this message regarding John's passing. Rest in Peace, My Brother.
Respectfully,
Gerald "Jerry" Salvucci

John McGee

August 22, 2024

To the Basile family John was a wonderful teacher and leader, well respected by all the members of the Bridgeport police department. He had compassion for the men that worked under him and for the citizens of Bridgeport who he served.
My deepest sympathies to his family rest in peace, my brother in blue
Retired Bpt PD Officer
John McGee
Cape Coral, Florida

Fred & Pat DiNapoli Jr.

August 22, 2024

To The Basile Family:
Please accept my Deepest Sympathy
on the passing away of John.
He was one of a kind.
Highly respected by all who knew him.
He was a great teacher, mentor, leader
and Police Officer.
With Deepest Respect and Sorrow
Fred & Pat
DiNapoli

Doug Partenio

August 22, 2024

John was a class act ...........A true professional that highlighted the meaning for the phrase "A Cop´s Cop"......R.I.P.
Semper Fi.........

Bob Maggi

August 22, 2024

John was a squared away Marine which showed on the Police Dept. always looking and acting as a professional. He should have been a role model for all new police officers coming on the Dept. real nice guy down to earth. May He rest in peace. Had a good life and will be missed.

Bob Keeley and Family

August 21, 2024

The world has lost a true gentleman. Our family cruises with the Basiles remain amongst the most special childhood Keeley family memories. Our parents loved John´s company. He was special. Thank you, John for being you. RIP, John.

Heaven Above

August 21, 2024

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Memorial Events
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Sep

9

Memorial service

10:30 a.m.

Gate of Heaven Cemetery

1056 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull, CT

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