Gary Basile of Minneola, Florida passed away on December 21 ^st , 2020.  He was born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1937 to Ralph Basile and Ruth Helen Grover Basile.

After high school, Gary served in the National Guard before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1954. He served as an Airman 2 ^nd Class, in the 313 ^th Air Division, until he was honorably discharged in 1958. Gary remained in the Reserves until 1962.

Gary moved to Miami, Florida where he married Betty Ann Hull and together they had three children. In Miami, Gary worked for Winn Dixie warehouse, before becoming a plumber and working for one of his best friends, Paul Gableman.  Many of you know Gary always had a great story to share about Paul.

In 1983, Gary moved to Orlando, Florida where he met and married Bernice Smith, whom he loved and treasured for 37 years. In Orlando, Gary worked for Giese Plumbing for two years. Gary and Bernice moved to North Carolina for a short time in 1987, and while there Gary worked for Roto-Rooter.  Upon his return to Orlando, Gary went to work for Builders Square until they closed their doors, sending him to work for Lowes in 1992.  Gary loved all the people at Lowes and they all loved him!  Customers would seek him out for his quick wit and expert answers for their plumbing problems. Gary worked at Lowes until he retired at the young age of 70.

Gary found the Lord and was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church in Apopka in 1998. Gary loved his Lord and was quite active in the church, teaching bible classes and helping to prepare Sunday dinners.

Gary's sense of humor was phenomenal.  He was known for using phrases like: "Great day in the morning", "Eats right where you hold it", "Let's eat some groceries", "Great Scott" or "Capeesh". These sayings are still repeated daily by all who knew him.

Alzheimer's took away his ability to function in many ways, which frustrated him greatly, but he still knew all of his family and friends, and it NEVER took away his sense of humor.

Keep them all laughing in Heaven and Rest in Peace, Gary. You will be sorely missed.

Gary was survived by his wife and best friend, Bernice A. Basile, and his children, Robert G. Basile (Patti), Diane C. Basile (Marilyn), and Gary Basile Jr. (Fidelis).  He will also be fondly remembered by his sisters: Dottie Gaske and Elizabeth Pace; Grandchildren: Ronny W. Harold (Leah), Sean L. Basile (Heather), Ian K. Basile (Lindsey), T. Austin Basile (Kacey), and Mason Basile; Stepchildren: Richard W. Robertson, Dayle M. Tyng (Steve), David M. Smith (Angela), Dinah K. Notartomaso (Timothy), and Darrell K. Smith (Tracy); Three great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and twelve step-great-grandchildren.

Gary will be remembered with full Military Honors at The Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on January 28, 2021.  We will update the time when we receive it.  We will be posting a Celebration of Life Video on Facebook and YouTube on January 29 ^th for everyone to share and enjoy.  We will be posting a link to that video on the 29 ^th .