Joseph Bassi 's Obituary
Joey Bassi
March 6, 1966 - August 30, 2019
Joey Bassi of Trinity Florida, 53, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 30, 2019. As a young man with Down syndrome he was our angel on earth and touched the lives of so many. Joey was born on March 6, 1966 to Phil and Flo Bassi. Joey grew up in West Nyack, NY where he attended Jesse J. Kaplan School and graduated at the age of 21. He continued his journey at ARC of Rockland where he participated in work programs for people with disabilities. His favorite job was working at the local Pathmark where he was able to see people he knew. If you needed a smile and a hug you could always find one in isle 12 where Joey was working. His journey then continued when they moved to Florida and attended AFIRE where he was on their bowling team. Joey truly enjoyed many activities in life. A few of his favorites were singing, dancing, bowling, family parties, “especially birthdays”, and being the number one fan to his nieces and nephews at their sporting events. In New York Joey could be seen with red, white and blue medals around his neck which he earned as a Special Olympics athlete. After moving to Florida, he gained the support and love of his Heritage Springs family and became the unofficial ambassador to their Special Olympics fundraisers. He was an avid baseball and hockey fan. His favorite teams being the New York Yankees and Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays and Lightning. He also had the power of granting “Perspective”, which also happened to be the name of a movie he starred in, with his leading lady, Sheri Ciarletta, who discovered his acting talent. Yes, that’s right! Joey was an actor, too!
Joey truly was a blessing to all who he came in contact with. His smile and laughter, hugs and gentle heart only found the good within all he touched. His kindness and love will remain with each of us forever. For the last three years of his life Joey lived at the residential care facility, The Angelus. A caring home away from home filled with compassion love and kindness.
Joey is survived by his loving parents Phil and Flo Bassi of Trinity, his sisters Marianne Bassi of Florida, Gaeann Oliva of New York, Joanne and Nino Martino of New York and Phil and Nicole Bassi of New York. His very special nieces and nephews- Vinnie and Heather Martino, Phil Martino and Jessica McCarthy, Amanda, Dana, Nina and Anthony Oliva, Peter Seifert, Jayce Seifert and Stormi Cromer, Angelina and Gianna Bassi. He also has many aunts, uncles and cousins. Joey also has an extremely large community of people who may be known as friends but in our world family.
Joey didn’t have to earn his wings he was born with them. Heaven has gotten back their superhero angel that we were blessed to have for the years we did. The Angelus staff is amazing and took wonderful care of Joey just as we would. In leu of flowers we ask that donations are made to The Angelus in Joey’s name, https://www.theangelus.com/donate/ or mail to 12413 Hudson Ave, Hudson Fl 34669, (727) 856-1775.
Services will be held Wednesday September 4, 2019 3PM-5PM and 6PM-8PM at Trinity Memorial Gardens 12609 Memorial Drive New Port Richey Fl 34655 (727) 376-7824. Funeral Mass will be held on September 5 at 12:00 at St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church – 12747 Interlaken Road, Trinity, Florida 34655.
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