Michael Bassock

On November 23, 2025, Michael Bassock passed away peacefully in his home with loved ones by his side. Michael was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Ingunn Hekneby of Hammar, Norway. 

Michael was born on May 2, 1935 to Maxwell and Beatrice Bassock and grew up in Glens Fall, NY. He graduated with honors from Glens Falls High School and attended The University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1957 with a business degree from the Wharton School. He was President of his fraternity Phi Sigma and a member of the NROTC. During his senior year of college he interviewed Harry Belafonte for the Penn Gazette and the two became steadfast friends. Upon graduation, Michael entered the US Navy serving as a Lieutenant Junior Grade on a destroyer in the North Sea and was honorably discharged in 1959.

Michael had a seven decade career in finance helping families manage their assets. He began his career working as a Wall Street trader ultimately retiring as a Senior Vice President from UBS Financial Services in Hartford. In the early 60s, he was the original “podcaster" calling into a daily radio show in Springfield from his trading desk to give the stock report. He was also a guest speaker on the Queen Elizabeth II, where he helped people learn about the importance of investing.

Michael was enthusiastic about his alma mater and served Penn as President of its Hartford Alumni Chapter. He enjoyed hosting fundraisers, guest speakers and football game tailgates. 

During his retirement, Michael discovered his passion for building homes and helped build over 100 in the Hartford area with Habitat for Humanity, several of which went to injured US Military Veterans. He and Ingunn were also active supporters of the Wadsworth Atheneum and Hill-Stead Museum. They traveled extensively visiting friends and family in Norway and exploring Europe, Central America, and Asia. Michael took immense pleasure in having his children join them on their journeys.

Michael was known to be gregarious and generous to all who knew him. Michael could enter a room full of strangers and leave with a group of new best friends. His laughter was infectious and he lit up a room. He and Ingunn loved to entertain at their homes in Manchester, Vermont and Farmington, CT where they made many lifelong friendships. He was an avid hiker, biker, camper and skier. If you got lucky enough to share a chairlift ride with him, you might have heard Michael recite Lewis Carroll’s beloved poem The Jabberwocky. 

Michael was predeceased by his brother, Stephen, and his sister, June. He leaves behind his sister, Sandra Green and sister-in-law, Sharon Bassock. He also leaves his children, Jonas Bassock, Andrew (Irene) Bassock, and Dara (Fred) Marvel. Michael and Ingunn adored and doted on their four grandchildren Alexandra, Addison, Isabella, and Wade. He was also blessed later in life with four step grandchildren Jack, Connor, Brendan, and Kaitlyn. 

A funeral Service will be held to honor Michael on November 30, 2025 at 11am at Congregation Beth Israel located at 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Habitat for Humanity.