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Matthew Basile Obituary
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Rochester, NY - Formerly of Washingtonville, NY
Matthew John Basile, age 55 of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, after a brave fight with pancreatic cancer. Matthew was born in Goshen, NY, and was the son of the late Frank and Barbara Basile. Matthew was a graduate of Washingtonville Senior High School, where he was active in both band and the audio-visual club. He went on to graduate from Emerson College where he majored in Communications.
Matthew spent the majority of his career in radio, both on-air and behind the scenes, and in many ways, his heart remained on the air throughout this career. He spent time on Martha's Vineyard, in Boston and San Francisco but planted roots in Rochester, NY. It was there that he settled in with beloved dog Maggie and cat Milo and eventually met his husband, Daniel Birnbaum. Matt and Dan were married in 2016 and enjoyed great food, attending live music concerts, and appreciating nature.
Matt was a peaceful spirit who cherished quality music, especially R.E.M., Brandi Carlile, and John Lennon. He fiercely loved his husband, his parents, brothers, niece and nephews, and the many who were privileged to call him a friend. His faith was quiet but strong. He wanted to be remembered as a curator of deep connections. Someone who made sure that those around him were taken care of and well-loved. He will be deeply missed by many.
Love Prevails.
Matthew is survived by his husband Daniel, brothers Frank (Mary Ann) and Jim (Ellen), nephews Matthew Basile (Alexandra), Austin Basile, Declan Basile, and niece, Kathleen Rafferty (John).
Matthew was predeceased by his loving father and mother, Frank and Barbara Basile.
Please join us and Matt's Spiritus Christi congregation for a service of remembrance on Saturday, March 16, 2024 11:00am at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, NY 14614.
A graveside service will take place at the family plot in the Warwick Cemetery on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Lollypop Farm (Humane Society of Greater Rochester) - Lollypop.org
Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service, formerly the Strong-Basile Funeral Home – 845-477-8240 or visit www.zmmemorials.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew Basile, please visit Tribute Store
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Alex Marrero
April 24, 2024
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!
Cori Zupko-Williams
March 16, 2024
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.
Albert Burke
March 14, 2024
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
MJ Francati - Shepherd Home Volunteer
March 13, 2024
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
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