Samuel F. Basile

Loving Husband, Father and NanoSamuel F. Basile, Sr., 94 of Rockford passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2009 in Provena St. Anne Center. Born June 23, 1915 in Madison, WI the son of Philip and Antonina (Alfano) Basile. Sam married Albena Stassi on July 8, 1945 in Rockford. He proudly served as an aviation mechanic in the United States Navy in the South Pacific during WWII. He worked as a service manager for Ditto Division of Bell and Howell for many years. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish for over 50 years, active in the Holy Name Society and enjoyed participating in all church related activities. He was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed bowling. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father and nano who was happiest when surrounded by his family. His grandchildren will always remember his Saturday morning visits as he stopped at each house with doughnuts. He especially enjoyed the fishing trips and family vacations each summer with his sisters-in-law, their husbands and families.  Sam is survived by his wife Albena, children Ninette Cooney, Joanne (David) Gribbins, Theresa (Steve) Powell and Sam (Louise) Basile, Jr. Grandchildren Melissa (Steven) Boggess, Allison (Tony) DeFranze, Christopher (Amanda) Powell, Kate Gribbins, Sarah Fitzgerald, Emily Basile, Patricia Basile, David Powell and Daniel Cooney. Great-grandchildren Andrew, Austin, Doyle Ray, and Trevor Boggess, Landon Powell, Tony DeFranze, Jr. and numerous special nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, brothers Tom, Tony, Ben, Peter, John, sister Josephine and son-in-law Charley Cooney. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Willard Moore and the staff and nurses at Provena St. Anne Center for the care they have provided.  Funeral Mass will be Friday, December 18, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Peter with the Rev. Kenneth P. Wasilewski officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 4-7 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass in the church. Interment to follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Literary Council, 982 N. Main t., Rockford, IL 61103; Provena St. Anne Center, 4405 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL 61107 or the Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main St., Rockford, IL 61102. To express condolences to the family online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.