SMYRNA – Robert E. “Bob” Bassett, 76, of East Main St., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown.
He was born July 10, 1932 in the Town of Smyrna, a son of Lyman A. and Frieda Lindholm Bassett. Bob began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Smyrna and graduated from Sherburne High School as valedictorian of his class. On Aug. 16, 1952, he married Ruby C. Whaley in Norwich. A life long Smyrna resident, Bob enjoyed the challenge of several occupations, including farming and bus driving. He was also the caretaker of local cemeteries, including the Willcox Cemetery, a position that was handed down to him by his father. Bob took great pride in the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery and tended to it with care and respect. He was an avid hunter and nature lover who also enjoyed woodworking and gardening. Bob was an outgoing and personable man who loved to chat and inspire family and friends with his pearls of wisdom.
Bob carried on the family tradition of service to the community as a former member of the Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department. His grandfather, Charles, had been a founding member and Fire Chief, as well as the Mayor of Smyrna.
Surviving are his wife, Ruby; his children, Robert and Elizabeth Bassett of Smyrna; Lynne Shaffer and Danny Jeffreys of Norwich; Mary and Clayton Guinn of Sherburne; John and Beth Bassett of Reidsville, N.C.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy Bassett and Jim Law of Bainbridge; Linda and Kirk Mudge of Auburn; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Caroline Bassett of Agawam, Mass.; Clarence and Gene Bassett of Clifton Springs; David and Janice Bassett of Smyrna; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne, followed by interment in the Willcox Cemetery, Smyrna.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Monday from 4-7 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Smyrna Fire Department, Smyrna.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.