Jerry Basic

Jerry Basic died peacefully on 6/11/25 at home surrounded by family. Jerry Basic was born on the beautiful island of Murter, Croatia, on January 22, 1937. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, father-in-law, and proud Croatian. Jerry's life was defined by perseverance, resilience and faith. Jerry was one of 5 children, born to Vjekoslav and Silvija Basic. He was known to his family as Tata and Dido. Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Estera Basic, his two children, Silvia Del Corso and Jerry Basic Jr., three grandchildren, Anthony, Jessica and Mia Del Corso, and devoted son in law, Anthony Del Corso. During WWII, Italian and German forces occupied Murter, disrupting Jerry's childhood and Education. In 1956, at age 19, seeking freedom and new opportunities, Jerry bravely escaped the oppressive regime of communist Yugoslavia by boat under the cover of night. He was captured just shy of Italian waters and imprisoned in Italian refugee camps where he remained for 16 months. In 1957, with the help of his aunt and uncle in America, he applied for a US Visa. In 1958 his visa was approved, and he moved to the balkan neighborhood of Astoria in Queens, New York City, to join his family. Jerry approached the challenges of adjusting to different customs and a foreign language with determination and hard work. Thanks to a very strong Croatian community present in New York, Jerry was able to hold on to his Croatian heritage, attending many functions at the Bohemian Hall. He was active in the soccer community and managed the Dalmanski soccer club for many years. He would attend many church functions and Croatian dances, one of which where he met his beautiful wife, Estera Morovic. With similar backgrounds, they bonded over their immigration stories and adjustment to the United States, and they were married in 1965. They loved going to Croatian dances on the weekends, socializing and dancing late into the night, and their children would often find them dancing to their native music in the kitchen. Jerry worked primarily as a butcher all his life but had many interests and passions outside of work. He had a deep love of the ocean and spent much of his time fishing and swimming. Jerry was also an extraordinary cook and would often have dinner parties, combining his passion for entertaining guests and love for Mediterranean cuisine. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing, playing the accordion, and telling stories and jokes like a true entertainer. He also was a secret polyglot - nobody ever knew how, but he was able to say at least a few words in more than 10 languages. We will honor Jerry's wishes and in lieu of services will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. In addition, we will honor his legacy by bringing him back home to Croatia to spread his ashes in the Adriatic Sea. Jerry's arrangements are entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute can be made at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jerry, please visit our Tree Store.