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Robert Basarich Obituary
Died: November 7, 2022
Robert James Basarich, 89, died November 7, 2022, survived by his wife of nearly 63 years Anna M. Basarich (nee Prince), son Bradley (Cheryl) Basarich; preceded in death by parents Daniel and Rosemary Basarich.
Born in Chicago, Bob graduated from Illinois State University and received his masters from Indiana State University. He was an Army veteran and was a teacher and coach for thirty years. Bob's basketball career included 21 years as Lockport's varsity coach with 496 wins and 99 losses. His successes generated numerous honors and rewards including Illinois Basketball Coach of the Year in 1973 and 1978, Illinois State Hall of Fame 1979, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association 1979 and Lockport High School Hall of Fame 2004.
Other passions included golf, the Cubs, travel and his second career as a financial advisor.
Coaching basketball made him a legend; his respect and kindness to family, friends and clients made him inspirational.
Funeral arrangements will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org/donation or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Basarich
Chuck Huckaba
December 28, 2022
Coach, to a great coach and friend, you will be truly missed. Chuck Huckaba
Chuck Huckaba
December 1, 2022
Coach, Ypu taught me many things about playing basketball whi;e I was at Kelvin Grove and it wAs a real pleasure playing playing for you. We became good friends afterwards. May ypu rest in peace my friend. I will never forget you. I guess Jesus needed a good coach for his team in heaven so he picked the best. God bless ypu.
Chuck Huckaba
Tom Beaton
November 28, 2022
RIP Coach Basarich. It was an honor to have played for you for a few years ('83-'84, '84-'85). I'm sure you'll get Hilton Hamilton and Dave Mitidiero and other Lockport players running "The Wheel" in Heaven!
T.W.Green
November 27, 2022
Mrs. A. Basarich our entire family thank you for sharing Coach Basarich with us.We thank you Coach Basarich for the best ride ever in high school. The Green Family
Cecil Underwood
November 21, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the family of a great great coach, teacher, and man R.I.P Coach
Maureene Scott
November 19, 2022
Greatest Basketball coach Lockport ever had! Such great memories. A great guy who will be remembered fondly by all.
Kelly Kirk
November 18, 2022
Sending prayers and hugs to you all RIP so sorry for your loss
Rick Walsh
November 17, 2022
Brad & family Our deepest sympathy God Bless
Jeannine Kerwin Tree
November 17, 2022
Coach Basarich was a legend and a mentor to so many. Those who went to Kelvin Grove have known Coach since grade school. He was always a reassuring and solid role model. RIP, Coach.
Barry Morris
November 17, 2022
Bob and I became great friends over the past few years. We talked on the phone often and got together for breakfast at least once a week. I knew of his legendary reputation as a high school basketball coach long before we met formerly. He was a man of very high integrity and had a great sense of humor. I loved talking about sports with him, especially when he spoke of former players at LTHS. He was truly a very cherished friend that I now miss very much. Other than my father and my old high school coach, he is the finest man I have ever known. Rest In Peace, Bob. I will see you again on the other side.
Maria Kovalcik
November 16, 2022
The Best Teacher I Ever Had.So Sorry For Loss.Gob Bless .
Noel Blasing
November 16, 2022
Coach was an idol to me. Was a manager for basketball during the Hickman/Green era. Coach was instrumental in me getting a teaching position at Troy Jr. High. He influenced me in my coaching style. And gave time to our program at Troy. He also was a financial advisor for my family til he retired from that. Other than my father, there was. no one I have admired more. Will miss our basketball talks and your friendship. Rest In Peace! Blaze
Ron Pilz
November 16, 2022
I met Bob in the 6th grade at Kelvin Grove. While I never played for him,we got to be good friends. We went on many scouting trips together and had many laughs together. He was instrumental in my life,as I'm sure he was in many others.RIP my dear friend.
edward haberkorn
November 16, 2022
Rest in peace Bob you were a great friend and i will miss talking to you.
Doug Anderson
November 15, 2022
Bob was a Jr. High coach to my brother Barry Anderson and he was my coach in golf and I had the ability to be a statastic person in some of the best of Porter basketball ever. God bless and may God bless all of the family in the family.
Doug Anderson
James Woods
November 15, 2022
A great friend and mentor. RIH your journey is complete.
Jim & Chris Woods
Rodenbach, Germany
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