Roger William Bassant

Roger William Bassant, age 77, of Pinellas Park, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Roger lived a life full of integrity, humor, and compassion.

Born on January 12, 1948, in Teaneck, New Jersey to Roger W. Bassant and Sophie Boetel, Roger spent his early years in Ridgefield Park, NJ, until the family moved to Madeira Beach, Florida in October 1959. It was in Madeira Beach where he laid the foundation for the life he would go on to build-rooted in love, family, and service.

On March 16, 1974, Roger married the love of his life, Connie Rouse Bassant, at the Church by the Sea in Madeira Beach. Together, they shared 51 beautiful years of marriage, creating a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience.

Roger was a hard-working man who paid his way through college as a cook in several restaurants. After serving in the U.S. Army and completing his education, he worked for nine years at K-Mart before dedicating nearly three decades of service to the Florida Department of Corrections as a parole and probation officer. His work helped countless individuals turn their lives around, and his impact on the community was both meaningful and lasting.

Roger's greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife Connie; daughter Carrie Moss (Jason Kobke); son Andrew Bassant I (Shantoria); and his treasured grandchildren Ian Moss, Keelan Moss, Taryn Moss, Marcus Prescott, Malia Bassant, Achillean Bassant, Arius Bassant, and Andrew Bassant II.

He also leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including his sister Alida Kaufmann, Sister-in-law Janet Bassant, and 37 nieces and nephews, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews. To each of them, he was a guiding light, always ready with a story, a lesson, or his famous phrase, "I've been thinking…" You never knew what was going to come next.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Sophie, as well as many siblings and in-laws, Including Marie Wright (Lester), Ann Carr (George), Eleanore Pative (Charlie), Bertha Craft, and Meta Cagle; brothers John Bassant (Marlene) and Billy Bassant;

Roger had many interests, including football, hockey, history, reading, traveling, and-most of all-his family. He loved sharing knowledge and was a man of great experience, often offering advice on all manner of subjects. His hands were skilled in construction, and his heart was generous to all. His humor, wisdom, and kindness touched everyone he met.

Above all, Roger's love for his family was unwavering and evident in every part of his life. He enjoyed sharing stories around the table and offering countless advice in many areas of life.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 9th, 2025 at Veterans Funeral Care, 830 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765. Roger will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Community Living Center at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, in honor of the care and service Roger both gave and received.

Roger will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, strength, and humor will live on in all who knew him.