Sam L. Basile

Sam Basile, 88, formerly of Yeadon, PA passed away suddenly on Easter Sunday evening. A resident of the Watermark in Philadelphia, Sam loved his city.  He grew up in Southwest Philly with his parents Sam and Rose Basile, who preceded him in death, and he graduated from John Bartram High School. 

Family and laughter defined Sam’s life.  Outliving his beloved wife, Ann (Corey) by 17 years, he always brought a smile to her and his six children: Ro (Martin) King, Rita Ann (Scott) Lamb, Ann Marie (Dory) Solomon,  Chris (Megan Hamilton) Basile, Kathy (Paul) DiJoseph and Gina Basile.  He loved his grandchildren: Amanda (Anthony) Ciocci, Steph Basile, Bri Basile, Lauren Lamb, Kristen Lamb, Sara Solomon, Robert Solomon, Sophie DiJoseph, and Sammy DiJoseph, and adored his great granddaughter Annie Ciocci.

Always hard working, Sam started in his father’s barbershop at age 13 and gained his barber license at 18.  His career in retail at John Wanamaker’s and J.E. Caldwell & Co. was balanced with weekends making cheesesteaks at Family Style Pizza.  An avid newspaper reader, he was a gifted conversationalist and could discuss any topic.  He especially enjoyed talking about sports, particularly his Phillies.  Sam had tremendous recall, quoting accurate baseball statistics from 1948 to the present. Sam was an active member of the Galileo Club and sometime winner of their pinochle league.

Sam’s strong Catholic faith was evident in his participation at St. Louis Church for almost 60 years. Any description of Sam’s life would not be complete without mentioning his joy from food, whether eating at home with family or discovering a new bakery. At a restaurant, casino, racetrack or museum exhibit, Sam created a warm glow in the center of every environment. He will be deeply missed by all who know him: Sam’s children and grandchildren, his many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends from every aspect of his life.

A visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6 - 8 pm at the Logan Funeral Home, 57 South Eagle Road, Havertown, PA. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 10:30AM at St. Louis Catholic Church, 821 West Cobbs Creek Parkway, Yeadon where friends may call from 9:00 - 10:15 am at the church.  Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to a charity of your choice in memory of Sam or to the Blessed Virgin Mary School, 1101 Main Street, Darby, PA 19023.