Anthony T. Basilio

Anthony T. Basilio
New Hartford, NY
Anthony T. Basilio, 87, formerly of The Meadows, New Hartford, NY, passed away on February 11, 2013, at the Rome Health Care Facility at Rome Hospital from complications of dementia. A native of Utica, NY, Mr. Basilio loved and worked in Oneida County his entire life except for the World War II years and a subsequent two years as an underclassman at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. He was born November 22, 1925, in Utica, the next-oldest of five children of John E. and Carmella (Coloiero) Basilio. Anthony attended Proctor High School in Utica, NY, until called to Naval service in January 1944. After training in Northern California to be a medical corpsman, he boarded the USS McCracken and participated in the invasion of Okinawa with an amphibious personnel assault unit. He became ill with crippling arthritis, was hospitalized in Idaho, and medically discharged after V-J Day. After completing high school in 1947, Anthony enrolled at Utica College of Syracuse University before transferring to Arizona State, graduating in 1950 with a Liberal Arts B.A. with concentrations in English, Education and Journalism. He worked briefly for the Veterans Administration in Phoenix, AZ, before returning to Utica in 1952. In October 1953, he fulfilled a lifelong affection for children by joining Oneida County Public Assistance where he worked with troubled youngsters and their families. After his retirement in 1985, he became a Big Brother and Hospice volunteer. A well-read, articulate man, he spent many hours as a senior citizen at his favorite venue, the library. He owned a camp at Forestport, NY, where he hosted friends and extended family members at memorable reunions. He is survived by his three sisters, Marie Jo (Mrs. Richard H. (Dick) Costa), New Hartford, NY, and College Station, TX, Loretta B. Giambona, New Hartford, NY, and Rose M. Basilio, Utica, NY. He was predeceased by his parents and a younger brother, Fred Basilio, Oneonta, NY, and brother-in-law, Frank J. Giambona, Daytona Beach, FL (formerly Rome, NY). He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, Darleen G. Arcuri and Bradley E. Bliss, Lee Center, NY, Dyann G. and Gary R. Scharf, New Hartford, NY, Bonnie Jean and Stephen Havens, Oneonta, NY, Lauren Ann and Jeff Knapp, Jacksonville, FL, Philip H. Costa, New Hartford, NY, and John Basilio, Sarasota, FL. His family wishes to thank the Presbyterian Home Elm Unit in New Hartford, NY, Residential Healthcare Facility at Rome Hospital and John L. Matt, Jr., Funeral Director, for their care and kindness. In keeping with Mr. Basilio's wishes, there are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 16th, at 1:00 p.m. at the John L. Matt Funeral Home, 3309 Oneida Street, Chadwicks, NY. A military burial will be held at a later date in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. To send an online message of sympathy: www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Central New York Chapter for programs provided by the Mohawk Valley Regional Office, 617-4025 Ext. 117, www.alz.org/centralnewyork.
Anthony T. Basilio