Andrew M. Basalla

1945 - 2024

Andrew M. Basalla

August 15, 1945 - September 1, 2024

Clarence, Pennsylvania - Andrew M. "Gookie" Basalla, Jr., 79, of Clarence, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona. Born on August 15, 1945, in Latrobe, PA, he was the son of Andy and Verna C. (Seprish) Basalla. On October 25, 1969, in Elizabeth, NJ, he married Sarah A. Menendez, who survives him.

Andy earned his GED while serving in the United States Army. He enlisted on August 17, 1965, served during the Vietnam War received an honorable discharge on August 16, 1968. He achieved the rank of SP5 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 1 O/S Bar, Good Conduct Medal, and the Marksman Badge Rifle (M-14) during his service.

After returning home, Andy worked in various roles, with his most recent position being a maintenance worker for Ron Wiser Associates, from which he retired after 17 years.

A dedicated member of Queen of Archangels Parish Church in Clarence, Andy was also a life member of the Clarence American Legion Post 813, where he held the position of Agilent and a member of the Snow Shoe VFW Post 5644. He served on the Mt. Top Honor Guard for 57 years.

Andy was a member of the Snow Shoe Rails to Trail, where he would take long rides on his 4-wheeler and volunteered on work days to clean the trails. He was former the president of the Mountaintop Medical Center Association, where he and the other board members were searching for physicians and staff to run the medical center. His creative spirit was evident when he crafted an entire train set out of wood. Known for his love of family and friends, Andy will be remembered for his warm smile and engaging stories.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah; two sisters: Janet M. Oesterling (Paul) of Bellefonte and Carol A. Little of Fort Royal, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jeanne M. Chapman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 6-8 p.m., with a rosary service at 7:45 p.m. The Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Queen of Archangels Parish Church, 102 Church St., Clarence, with Father Michael Wolfe officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Clarence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Top Honor Guard, c/o Clarence American Legion, 1171 Clarence Rd., Clarence, PA 16829.

Arrangements are entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. in Snow Shoe, PA. An online guest book is available for signing or posting condolences at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.