What is your first memory of John? Share a favorite memory you have of John. Tell us about a special moment you shared with John. Describe a time when John made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about John? Talk about a shared experience you had with John. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of John. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving John. What is something you learned from John?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

John A BASSETT Jr.

1929 - 2018

John A BASSETT Jr.

1929 - 2018

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1929

DIED

2018

John BASSETT Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 22, 2018.

John A Bassett Jr., Age 88 of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 21th, 2018. He was born April 27, 1929 in Winooski, VT. He is Preceded in death by first wife, Charlotte (Hebert) Bassett; and parents, John Bassett Sr. and Margaret Connors. Survived by his sister Nancyann Bassett and 3 daughters: Sandra Charlson (Vermont), Bonnie (Ron) Tucker (Vermont) and Lisa (Rick) Lucia (Vermont), 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. John was in the United States Marine Corps from July 1946 – January 1948. After the military he became a pressman (typesetter) and worked for Rumford Press and later Lane Press. He began studying martial arts (Uechi-ryu) and eventually opened his own Dojo in Plattsburgh N.Y and in 1978 sailed to Florida and became a security guard with Harris Corporation. Later he returned to teaching and operated the OKA dojo in Melbourne Fl. John and his friend Kathleen bought a wooden sailboat in 1981 and loved sailing. John leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and cherished memories, he will be missed by his students and many dear friends. A celebration of life will be held near the river in Old Eau Gallie, Florida on May 26, 2018 between the hours of 5 – 7 PM at 1393 Pineapple Ave.

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

Sign John BASSETT's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

September 3, 2018

Don Bergeron posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2018

June McLean posted to the memorial.

July 3, 2018

Gordi Breyette posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Don Bergeron

September 3, 2018

My time with John began in Plattsburgh in 1972 and ended in 1978 when he left for Florida. I was one of his first 3 students to acquire the rank of Sho-dan. My short journey with John is full of wonderful memories. He was the embodiment of devotion to his art, teaching with a caring presence and effortless gentleness. His personal life was spiritual and yet so genuinely carefree. I feel honored and privileged to have known him and to have been part of his journey.

June McLean

July 13, 2018

Dearest John - RIP dear friend. My Sensei, my first and only karate teacher from the 80's in NY and FL. You will be missed by so many who loved your thoughtful, peaceful lifestyle. All my love - June

Gordi Breyette

July 3, 2018

John Sensei was my first karate teacher, and began my UechiRyu journey in the Plattsburgh NY Dojo in early 1974. He left NY for Florida in 1977, and I left NY for Okinawa in 1979. Though separated by years and an ocean, I never really felt too far away from him. It seemed that no matter how many years passed, John Sensei would somehow always be there. He always will be, as long as we remember...

Rex D Stevens

May 25, 2018

One of the finest persons I ever studied under. He made a huge impact on my entire life when I lived in the Melborne area back in the 80s.

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Walter Mattson

May 25, 2018

Thoughtful, gentle, sincere and kind. Though I haven't been in John's company for many years, that's how I'll always remember him. My deepest sympathy to John's family and friends at this saddest of times.
Walter Mattson

Ed oakley

May 24, 2018

RIP John, all our Uechi brothers and sisters will miss YOU and your always smile!! You are in a much better place now!!

James Thompson

May 22, 2018

John enriched the lives of so many people and none more so than that of his students Curtis, Joanne, Billy and others. Whenever I had the opportunity to train and workout with John I always felt a sincere friendship and a strong bond. John, you will continue to live on in our hearts and memories. Rest in Peace my dear Friend..

Peggy Hess

May 21, 2018

I remember the day I met John at the Drew Street dojo in 1983. Since that day a bond of friendship began and continually flourished. Over the years we shared many workouts together and in doing so I was able to meet all the many students he fostered along their martial arts path. Through John I now have lasting friendships with his students..... especially Curtis,Joanne,Billy and Jim. He freely shared his wisdom and his beloved Uechiryu Karatedo to all that had the honor of knowing him. He will be missed enormously. I am so happy he was able to share his last dojo workout with Master James Thompson and all his students and friends. My regret is that I was unable to be there as other responsibilities needed my attention. Rest in peace forever.

Joanne Smart

May 16, 2018

John B. your passing will leave a void in my heart. The memory of your wisdom, experience and kindheartedness will live on. I was so very privileged to know you. Forever in my heart.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Funeral Services Provided By

National Cremation and Burial Society - Oviedo

7565 Red Bug Lake Road, Oviedo, FL 32765