Basil A. D'Armiento

Basil A. D'Armiento, 73, of North Plainfield, N.J., born July 4, 1936, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010 in Columbia University Medical Center. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children, following a hard fought but brief battle with cancer. He was a perennial optimist, fighter and fiercely independent. We thank him for this; his strength and will were impressive, but, clearly, this was his destiny. A viewing for family and friends will be held at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung N.J. from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, and Monday Jan. 11, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St Luke's R.C. Church in North Plainfield at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway. Visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com to send condolences. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., Mr. D'Armiento served for three years in the Navy and earned a bachelor's degree from Utica College. He worked for the Boy Scouts of America for 37 years and after retiring, continued to work on a volunteer basis. As was his nature, he never retired, and continued to work for Barker Bus Company, the Town of North Plainfield, and the North Plainfield school district as a bus driver and volunteered wherever needed. Mr. D'Armiento was an active member of St. Luke's Parish. A passion for sports found him at his grandchildren's sporting events, and led to his favorite endeavor, working for the Rutgers Athletic Department. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He leaves behind his wife, Lydia; children, Basil and wife, Maria, Edward and wife, Lori, Jeanine and husband, Kiran, Geralyn, Lidia and Deanne; grandchildren, Caitlin, Eddie, Timothy, Angela, Philip, Matthew, Stephen, Kamran, Kavin and Robert, and brother, Joe, and many relatives to cherish his memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Patriots Path Council, BSA, or St. Luke's Youth Group, North Plainfield, or Columbia University/D'Armiento Medical Research Fund, 630 W. 168th St., New York, N.Y.