Lawrence A. BASILE

BASILE, Lawrence A. "Larry" Age 75, found peace on June 14, 2025, fittingly on Gay Pride Day in Boston, a city whose streets, stories, and soul he knew by heart.

Born on February 26, 1950, at Fort Belvoir, VA, Larry was the beloved son of Colonel Anthony L. and Marion F. (Heaney) Basile. He was raised in West Roxbury, MA, and graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School in 1968. He began his journey toward priesthood at St. John's Seminary in 1969, but his path soon shifted. He went on to earn an MBA from William & Mary in 1975 and completed further graduate studies at NYU Business School in 1977.

From an early age, Larry was a curious and observant soul, spending hours at the Boston Museum of Science, where his love for nature, especially birds and plants began to bloom. During his young adult years, after a stint as a lifeguard in Nantucket, he dove into the real estate world, where he developed a keen street sense and a deep understanding of people, place, and community.

Larry was a visionary entrepreneur and a trailblazer in digital innovation. In the 1970s, he founded Dial Info Services, the first phone line platform created specifically for gay men to connect. This was a groundbreaking service at a time when safe, affirming spaces were scarce. Decades later, he launched Online Buddies, which introduced Manhunt.net, the first gay hookup site on the web. An iconic brand that revolutionized how gay men met, communicated, and built relationships. Beyond the digital realm, Larry also owned The Chandelier Inn Hotel and co-founded two of Boston's most beloved gay bars: Fritz and Cathedral Station.

A tireless advocate, Larry was the embodiment of a proud, out, and unapologetic gay man. Long before the term "social justice warrior" was in the mainstream, Larry was living it. He stood on the frontlines of the fight for civil rights and AIDS awareness and treatment, aligning himself with Act Up!, the Human Rights Campaign, Outweek Magazine, and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. He founded the Grass Roots Gay Rights Fund and launched the Boston Gay Pride Street Dance, raising over $800,000 for community-based organizations.

Larry's passion for justice extended far beyond the LGBTQ+ community. He championed causes for the homeless and underserved, such as Rosie's Place, Pine Street Inn, and recreational programs for inner-city youth. Wherever he saw exclusion, arrogance, or racism, he stood in opposition, always advocating for the underdog with a fierce sense of right and wrong.

In his final days, Larry found peace in nature, pruning trees and tending to the gardens of his beloved 44-acre property, Stonewall Farm in Douglas.

Larry is survived by his brother Matthew Basile and his wife Charlene of Danvers, MA; his sister Joanne Harrington of Hanover, MA; nephews, Joseph, Michael, and John Basile of Danvers, and Matthew Harrington of Boston; nieces, Kelly Dedeo of North Carolina and Leah Harrington Dexter. He is also survived by his cherished Stonewall Farm community, a wide circle of chosen family members, godchildren, and lifelong friends; among them, Sidnei Alves, his compassionate caretaker and loyal friend.

Larry was predeceased by his beloved husband, Clement "Clem" Pepe, the love of his life.

A Celebration of Larry Basile's Life will be held on Monday, July 14th, from 4–7 p.m., at Cathedral Station, 1222 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Servings or a charity of your choice. To leave a condolence message for his family, please visit JackmanFuneralHomes.com