Obituary of Anthony Bassano

Anthony Bassano Allegany, NY Anthony Bassano of 2201 St. Christopher Dr. died Saturday (May 9, 2015), surrounded by his loving family. He had resided at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Olean for the past fourteen months where he received final care after his many years of struggle with Parkinson's disease. Born August 28, 1933 in Olean he was the son of Antonio and Angelina DiAmbrosia Bassano, Sr.. On February 1, 1958 at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean he married his wife of 57 years, Jean Redding, who survives. Mr. Bassano attended Olean High School but left in his senior year to enlist in the US Navy where he served during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953 aboard the Navy Destroyer, the USS Perry. Upon his return to civilian life he began work in 1954 as a cook for the former Castle Restaurant that he had begun while in high school. In 1964 he began a 30-year tenure at St. Bonaventure University, first as an assistant food service manager and later as the Director of Food Services, starting in 1979. It was in 1980 that he was awarded the Department of the Army Certificate of Achievement for continued, outstanding support of the St. Bonaventure Reserve Officers' Training Corps in the area of food service. In 1992, two years prior to his retirement, he was honored as a member of Who's Who Worldwide for demonstrating leadership and achievement in the food service industry. His passion for and knowledge of food service led to his volunteer help in the early days of St. Bonaventure Church's "BonaFest" and the St. John's Church "Festa Italiana". Also, his having been inducted to the Taste of Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame in 2010 recognized his contribution to the quality of fine dining in the Olean area. He was a member of the National Association of College Food Service and also the Allegany Knights of Columbus Council #1220. For nine years he was active with the area Retired Senior Volunteer Program, having been a driver for the local Veterans Van service trips to the Buffalo VA. As a youth he played for one year for the Olean Indy's, a semi-pro Olean football team. He also formerly volunteered as an Assistant Cub Scout leader and enjoyed playing the role of Santa Claus for family and friends in the Olean and Allegany areas. His life was centered on his family where he was a devoted husband, a great Dad, and was extremely fond of his four grandchildren and proudly attended their concerts, plays and other school events. Surviving besides his wife are a daughter Monica Kellogg of Allegany; a son Brad (Karen) Bassano of Lancaster; 4 grandchildren, Travis Bassano of Liverpool, Veronica Bassano of Buffalo, Danielle (Adam) Hutchison of Bremerton, WA and Jenna Kellogg of Allegany; several nieces and nephews; two "adopted" grandsons Daniel Casey and Robbie Casey of Allegany and many special friends, especially Kenny and Wendy Copella of Clifton Springs. He was predeceased by 2 sisters Raye Reese and Josephine Lucyzyn and 1 brother Louis Bassano. Friends will be received from 1-2pm on Tuesday (May 12, 2015) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Funeral services will begin at 2pm in the funeral home. Rev. Patrick Melfi, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Salamanca, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation of WNY, 300 International Drive, Suite 224, Williamsville, NY 14221 or to the Allegany Ambulance Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.