Robert Lynn "Bob" Baseman

Baseman, Robert Lynn
May 19, 1932 - Feb. 17, 2008

Bob Baseman died peacefully at home surrounded by family in Sarasota, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. He was 75 years old. He is survived by his wife, Gwen J. (Roberts) of Sarasota; sons Isadore R. (Karen) of Harrisburg, Pa., Frank M. (Angela Combs) of Philadelphia, Jordan (Carolyn Thompson) of London, England and Russ S. (Christy) of Chicago; brother Stephen (Barbara) of Sarasota, Fla.; and four grandchildren: Julian, Emily, Rosalie and Eric.
He was born in Philadelphia on May 19, 1932, to Esther (Troshinsky) and Isadore Baseman. As a teenager, he regularly drew a cartoon called "Oh, Fudge" for the Evening Bulletin in Philadelphia. He was a graduate of Central High School in 1950 (Class Number 193) and he earned a bachelor of science degree in business from Temple University in 1955. In 1958, he married Renee Zinman, and they were divorced in 1985. He married Gwen Joy Roberts in 1987.
He began working for Encyclopaedia Britannica in 1961, selling books door-to-door. He was continually promoted within the company, eventually becoming executive vice president of sales and marketing for EBUSA, and EB International. During his time at Britannica, he was included in Who's Who in America and named as one of the Top Ten Motivators in the United States by the Direct Marketing Association. After an illustrious career of 33 years, he retired from Britannica in 1994. He continued to consult for direct marketing companies, and in 2001 was elected to the board of directors of Learning Technologies Limited, an international company that created, produced and sold learning tools for children in Asia using direct-to-consumer techniques. He retired in January 2008.
He became president of Sinai Temple in Michigan City, Ind. When he and Gwen moved to Florida, he became very involved at Temple Sinai, ultimately becoming president of the Men's Club and active in almost every committee. He was instrumental in the capital campaign, and the building of the new Temple Sinai. His most recent passion was the development committee and the mentoring of younger members of the community.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34231. Interment will follow at Palms Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made in Bob's memory to Temple Sinai. The family will observe Shiva Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the home of Gwen and Bob Baseman. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes, Colonial Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.