Matthew John Basile

I had great admiration and respect for Matt Basile. Between September of 1981 and June of 1983, Matt played trumpet in the Washingtonville Junior High School Gold Band from 7th grade through 9th grade with Richard Fumanti as conductor. Matt also played trumpet in the WJHS Stage Band with Peter Sileo as director. From September of 1984 through June of 1987, Matt played trumpet from 10th grade through 12th grade in the Washingtonville Senior High School Symphonic Band and Stage Band with William Dalious as the conductor and director. Matt also played trumpet in the WSHS Pep Band will David Newton
as the director. When Matt and I were in our senior years as 12th grade students in September of 1986, I asked him if I could be the Assistant
Captain for the Pep Band, where he would be the Captain. Matt was so
modest that he said to me "We can both be Co-Captains", and David
Newton approved. Matt was in the National Honor Society, and he was
a quiet leader with a super high degree of intelligence and wit.
The translation is that he had a great sense of humor!

My memories of Matt go back to pre-school and kindergarten. One of my earliest memories is of going to Kindergarten orientation and looking for my name on the cubbie. I remember one of our moms (Van or Barbara) telling Matt to not show me where it was so that I could find it. Growing up in Mountain Lodge it was important to have "year round friends". Matt was one of mine! Later on his brothers Jay and Frank were in charge when my parents went out. As we got older we drifted apart but that early childhood connection remained. My deepest sympathies to them on the loss of a sibling.

Matt and I were colleagues way way back in the day. Our paths crossed from time to time in the community. We always exchanged pleasantries and took a moment to stop and smell the flowers. Although Matt was my younger, he had a gentle old soul and an air of kindness to him that always left me feeling good and hopeful. My prayers and condolences for your loss at this time.

Albert Burke

I was so sad to learn Matt passed away last Saturday at Shepherd Home Comfort Care home in Penfield, NY. While we only had 3 weeks to offer him 24/7 personal care.
I was so impressed by his gentle attitude, kindness and understanding that all our volunteers were giving him our greatest attention to relieve his stress.
He entertained us by sharing his family, friends and the variety of pets who visited him. We will miss Matt. God Bless You