Morton Baskin

Thoroughly a Brooklyn baby, Morton was born Jan. 7, 1933 to Charles and Esther Baskin. Three years later his sister, Ruth, joined the family. Mort said that their small, five room apartment on Rockaway Pkwy. often housed his grandparents as well as the young family. He spoke of coming home to see a fish swimming in the bathtub, just before his Bubbee cooked it for dinner. Just outside their windows, the street was active with circus parades, vendors calling out their wares on push carts, and kids playing stick ball, or Spaldeen ball games. His mother, Essie, would throw down a nickel wrapped in paper to a violinist playing below their window.
Summers meant getting away from the city to the Catskills. Charlie would drive his wife and kids to a mountain farm, or a cabin, or a boarding house, to join other wives and kids all summer. Mort's Dad would work during the week and join them on weekends. Mort talked about endless fun exploring the woods and swimming. Later, as a young man, he returned to the famous Catskills hotels to find romance, nature of a different kind.
Mort was a proud Jewish man. He was bar mitzvah-ed and remained loyal to Israel and the Jewish heritage his whole life.
Mort often regaled friends with stories about his cross-country trip with his friend, Al Goodman. These 20-something guys drove to California and back. Al often had to borrow money from Mort, but they used Al's car. (Later Al became a millionaire with his BonHomme shirts.) They ran into the filming of a western movie in Arizona and met very famous stars. It was an epic adventure.
Mort worked as a domestics buyer for Klein's Dept Store. Soon he fell in love with his first wife, Eunice. They married and had two children, Jeff (June 14, 1961) and Helene (Nov. 6, 1963). Eunice now lives in Boynton Beach, FL and remains a cherished part of the Baskin family.
Mort worked for many years for his old friend, Al Goodman, as an outside rep for BonHomme shirts. With a knack for funny ad libs, his charisma and humor ensured his success. He has kept us in stitches with his humor throughout the years. Mort really enjoyed getting laughs! In fact, in his late 80's, he did a number of comedy club stints in Eau Claire, WI. He was a hit! Another love that he had was playing poker with the guys at our old neighborhood, Villa Borghese.
After Mort moved to Florida to be closer to his retired parents, he began managing Baron's Menswear stores. Soon he met a mid-western woman, Liz Schultz. Their contrasts in upbringing intrigued both. They were married on Aug. 10, 1990 in Lucaya Beach, Bahamas. The immediate family joined them for a sun-soaked, beach holiday. They settled in Broward Cty, and later Palm Beach Cty.
After retiring at age 64, Mort did a variety of part-time jobs. He sold suits at Austin Burke, Miami (Burt Reynolds was his customer). He drove luxury cars into the auction barn at the PB Auto Auction. He later worked for 5 years as a volunteer in the Transport Dept. at Bethesda Hospital East. Finally, he fulfilled a lifetime dream: movie actor. He got head shots and listed with an agency. He was an "extra" for many movies, but had his biggest part in "There's Something About Mary."
Liz and Mort were married for 33 very good years. They traveled to exotic lands and Europe. The last five years, they have spent summers in a stationary camper at a campground near Liz's sons in Wisconsin. Mort loved the cool summers, jazz concerts in the park, visiting with family, and especially playing Farkle with our wonderful camper neighbors, Jan, David & Janet. Mort kept everyone laughing.
Mort is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his son, Jeff Baskin (NY), his daughter, Helene Bock (NJ), and her children, granddaughters Hannah Bock and Julia Bock. He also leaves his sister, Ruth Belsky (Sidney, late husband). He will be missed by Elizabeth's family, sons & wives, Mike Lien (Heather Dokkestul Lien) and Eric Lien (Kim Lien), as well as grandchildren: Eric & Kim's children: Carly Lien, Rohen Lien; Mike & Heather's children: Madison Jackson (Tyler Jackson), the late Christopher Lien, Madysen Dokkestul (Ali Hill), Brayden Dokkestul, Bryxen Dokkestul. Great grandchildren: Logan Jackson and Marlee Jackson (Madison & Tyler), Emma Palser (Bryxen), Morgan Dokkestul (Madysen, Ali).
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE MAKE ANY DONATIONS TO TRUSTBRIDGE HOSPICE. (https://trustbridge.com)