Name: Viewing for Michael E. Basta
Start: 2019-03-06T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-03-07T01:00:00.000Z
Location: E. Blake Collins Funeral Home - Wilkes-Barre

LAFLIN — Michael E. Basta, 89, of Laflin, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.

He was born Nov. 18, 1929, in Parsons, a son of Michael and Filomena Basta. He was a graduate of Coughlin High School and served in the Navy during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Leyte Gulf. He was employed at the Tobyhanna Army Depot as a production control supervisor until his retirement in 1990. He was later employed for St. Maria Goretti Church as the groundskeeper and maintenance man.

He was a life member of V.F.W. Post 6227 in Parsons and later V.F.W. LANI Post 6325 in Hudson. Over the years, Michael held several offices within the V.F.W. organization including V.F.W. Chaplain, Commander of V.F.W. Post 6227, and Commander of V.F.W. Pennsylvania District 11 from 1970 to 1971.

He was also a life member of the P.A.V. Club and Triangle Club, and held membership in many other organizations through the years including the Italian Club. Mr. Basta was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church and also served as a lector and usher. An active member of the Big Band Society, he enjoyed ballroom dancing and was an accomplished Rumba dancer. He also enjoyed the outdoors and working in his yard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank and Nicholas Basta.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Margaret A. (Peggy) Fritz Basta; children, Michael Basta and his wife, Sandra, of Jenkins Township, Brian Basta and his wife, JoAnna, of Pennsburg; grandchildren, Kristen, Michael Paul, Fiona, and Garret; sister, Josephine Zionkowski, of Ohio; nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 9:45 a.m. Thursday from E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, 159 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 in St. Maria Goretti Church. Interment with military honors will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. The viewing will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The Rosary Group of St. Maria Goretti Parish will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the church 30 minutes prior to the funeral Mass. Condolences can be sent to the family at: www.eblakecollins.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from Mar. 3 to Mar. 4, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Basta

15 Entries

Leslie Williams

March 7, 2019

It must have been fate because I was looking up another person's passing yesterday when I immediately spotted Mike's picture in his Navy uniform.
It was so sad to see that he had passed away, but after reading his write-up, I realized that Mike lived his life to the fullest in his 89 years of life on this earth. I know that for a fact because I was Mike's secretary at Tobyhanna Army Depot when I first started working here (*I just celebrated my "35" years at the depot on March 5th if that tells you how long ago this was). He wasn't only my boss, but what I considered to me a "good friend." He always came into work with a "smile" and made you "laugh." He turned a bad situation into a good one just by his sense of humor, but I know that all who knew him knows what I am talking about. Every time I ran into his son, Mike, at work I would ask him how is dad is doing - and based on what Mike said to me his dad never stopped moving since he retired which didn't surprise me. I always told Mike to say "hi" to him from me because that is what type of impression his dad left on me after all these years. A good man-a good soul. I know Mike made heaven a little "brighter" with his smile. May the beautiful years and happy memories that you were blessed to have shared with your dad Mike and husband, Mrs. Basta, bring you comfort in knowing that every time you think of those times that Mike is standing right next to you always and forever.

Debbie Holena

March 7, 2019

Peg so very sorry to hear about you Husband. Glad to have recently meet him at Chackoo bowlin alley. Remember all the wonderful filled years you shared with him.

Three brothers

Nick Basta

March 6, 2019

Dear Aunt Peggy, Michael, Brian and family

Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of my Uncle Mike. I have lots of good memories of him from Lidden Street to Laflin. I will miss him, drinking a few beers with him and and his laughter. He was a Mensch and set the bar high for us. God speed. Susan and I grieve with you.
Nick Basta

Frank-Gloria Udiski

March 5, 2019

To The BASTA FAMILY;Our deepest SYMPATHY on your lost of a loved one, we knew MIKE from coming in LANI V>F.W. for a beer and he liked to kid ard with the patrons before he lefted. may he R.I.P., thanks for serving our country MIKE>

Frances & Charles Romanowski

March 5, 2019

Dear Peggy and Family,
At this time of sorrow may you and your family find strength in God and comfort from the loving thoughts of others.
Sincerely, Charles & Fran Romanowski

Joe & Dolores Melman

March 5, 2019

Dear Peggy and Family, Mike was Fun to be around as well as a Wonderful Husband,Father and Grandfather.He will be greatly missed. May the Love of Family and Friends comfort you during this time of grief. Sincerely, Joe & Dolores Melman and Sons

Jack &Mary Ann Burns

March 5, 2019

So sorry to hear of the passing of our friend Mike. It was always wonderful seeing him at church, and as always, he had to get a kiss from Mary Ann. I worked with Mike, at the depot for many years, and he was always a gentleman willing to help me in many ways. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loving family. Jack & Mary Ann Burns.

George; David Galaydick; Klaips

March 5, 2019

Prayers to the Basta Family at Michael's passing. God bless all and be with everyone in this time of need.

Edward Suchecki

March 4, 2019

Sorry seeing your dad Mike in the paper, I'm sure he was a good man! Eddie suchecki

Ann and Mike Haraschak

March 4, 2019

Mike and I would like to express our condolences to Mike's wife and family. We danced with them at Big Band and we will truly miss him.

Barbara Hoover

March 4, 2019

God bless your service & the impact you had on family & friends&community

Jim Smith

March 4, 2019

Prayers to the Basta family at Mike's passing. I got to know Mike as a teenager when I volunteered at VFW Post #6227. A respectable and admirable man with a history of dedicated service to our country and our veterans. May God bless.

Mary and Al Occhiato

March 4, 2019

Dear Peggy and family,
How lucky were we to have you move next door to us. For over forty years there has never been an argument or unkind words between us. To not see Mike working in the yard, mowing the lawn, clearing the leaves, meticulously trimming his shrubs or taking a break to have a beer is unimaginable. Every time Mike would see one of our grandkids(or kids) in the yard, he would run over to them and make a big fuss. Vicki called him "my buddy Mike." Kayla loved seeing him in church, and he always had flags for the boys.
Your two wonderful sons and their beautiful families are a tribute to you and Mike.
Peggy, please know that we are here for you. Don't hesitate to call if you need us.
We will all miss Mike dearly and hold him forever in our hearts.
Love, Mary, Al, and family

March 4, 2019

Peggy and family. So very sorry for your loss. Just was with Mike and Peg at our Tuesday night bowling. Joking with him as I always do and her. The love they had and have for each other never ending. May God bless you all. A well love gentleman. God bless all and be with you all in your time of loss. The good memories will last forever.
C.Bellas

March 3, 2019

Mike and family. We are so sorry for your loss. May your dad rest in peace. Teresa and Ken Michaels

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