George J. Basilone

George J. Basilone, age 96, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 8, 2018, at Brookdale of Mentor. He was born on March 4, 1922 in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. He spent his early years in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland and his adolescent years in Geneva, Ohio where his family maintained a farm. He graduated from Spencer High School in Geneva in 1940.Mr. Basilone worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. for 26 years, retiring in 1977. He then worked for Mayfield City Schools as a custodian and a bus driver. George was a founding member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Mentor and a member of the Mentor Senior Center where he enjoyed playing Bingo. He was an avid Cleveland Sports fan and at one time aspired to be a sportswriter. George loved the sun and the beach where he and his wife and daughters spent many summer days. He planted a yearly vegetable garden and was especially proud of his home grown tomatoes. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. Survivors include his dearly loved daughters, Bernadette (Brian) Massie of Concord Township and Georgiann (Joe) Moss of Mentor; adored grandchildren Michelle (Brent) Gaylord of San Diego, California, Michael (Anne Marie) Moss of Mentor, Sean (Adrianne) Massie of Mentor, Matthew Moss of Willowick, and Jacquelyn (Jared) Shwam of Aliso Viejo, California; cherished great-grandchildren, Tyler, Alexa, Andrew, and Elena Moss, Grant and Gwen Gaylord, Marlow and McGuire Massie, and Brady and Cooper Shwam; dear sister, Mary Jane Chapman and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Edith; parents, Michele and Angelina Basilone; brothers, Frank and Jim Basilone and sister, Theresa Galicki. George’s family will receive family and friends from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH. 44060.The Mass celebrating George's life will be 12 pm Wednesday December 12, 2018 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, Ohio, 44060. Please meet at the church.Interment will be in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township. The family suggests contributions may be made in George’s name to St. John Vianney Church.Offer condolences at www.brunners.com