Robert James Bassett

Robert James (Jim) Bassett, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at age 83, surrounded by his family.
Born in Mount Clemens, MI, to parents Harriet L. and Robert L. Bassett, Jim excelled in school and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University ofMichigan in Ann Arbor, MI. He then began a successful 33-year career with E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., which allowed him to travel extensively to many countries around the world and offered the family new adventures in Wilmington, DE, Houston, TX, and Glen Mills, PA. After retirement, he continued to educate as an adjunct professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, and tutored high school students in math and science in Wilmington, DE.
Throughout his lifetime, Jim was defined by his deep devotion to his family. Early on, he was a Little League coach for his sons and an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts, among other pursuits. He spent years taking the family on annual trips up and down the East Coast in the family station wagon, visiting Nantucket, Maine, and Lake Michigan-and later, every summer was spent in the Outer Banks. There was never a moment that wasn't celebrated in their home with family and friends, which was all he ever wanted. Weekend football games with a crockpot of meatballs, summer barbecues with volleyball games by the pool, Halloween parties for the neighborhood, and joyous Christmas Eve gatherings filled his life. He especially enjoyed his Michigan football and baseball teams, with the Eagles a close second. In his free time, he could be found cleaning the pool, working on a crossword puzzle, or sharing a special moment with his family. A giving and loving man, his accepting presence was evident to all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Susan F. Bassett; their children, Jonathan David (Debbie) Bassett and Jennifer Susan (Brian) Guest; his beautiful grandchildren, Alina, Dalton, Connor, Nolan, and Sophia; two sisters, Sandra Pullon and Lynda Renaldi; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jeffrey Scott Bassett.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, PA. where friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Naamans Creek Country Manor Nursing Home, Garnet Valley, PA.
Arrangements: Rigby Funeral Home Online Condolences rigbyfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.