TONY BASICH

Born September 2, 1930, to the late Pete and Helen Basich in Duncanwood Ohio, he was the younger brother to Louis Basich. Tony and he kept a strong relationship up until his death, often chatting about stories from their youth.

Tony graduated from Adena High School in 1948. Going to carpentry school in Bloomington, Illinois, he and his brother Louis worked as self-employed carpenters upon his return. The pair joined the Carpenters Local and went on to lead the Mill Right Local, 1079, in Steubenville Ohio. Tony later secured a superintendent position for Townsend and Bottum. He led various projects at the Bruce Mansfield plant, the W.H. Sammis plant, and a natural gas-fired power plant in Hartford, Connecticut. Upon his retirement, he and his wife Irene (nee Rector) traveled to Mexico to complete mission work and found joy in traveling around the US. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter.

Well respected by his colleagues and loved by his family, friends, and members of the church, Tony’s main priority was always matters of the heart. His family and loved ones often discuss the beauty of his marriage to Irene, whom he referred to as his “buddy” and “beautiful bride”. They shared 68 years in marriage, praying together every night and leaving each other notes in the mornings. When asked the secret to so many years, he would reply that people nowadays “don’t put in enough effort. Even when things are tough, you kiss, make up, and never go to bed angry”.

A lovely storyteller, Tony enjoyed visiting with others; sharing stories and laughter until the day of his death. Some of the stories shared were from the hardships he and his family faced during the great depression, reminding us to “never forget where you came from. If you were poor, remember those days”. Despite these pains, he was always grateful for what he received in life and reminded those around him of such with both his words and actions. He always spoke with an appreciation for the people who guided him through life. His loved ones share fond memories of him making vegetable soup, watching cowboy movies, and walking every day on Greaves Hill.

Tony is survived by his elder brother Louis Basich, wife Irene Basich, son Tim Basich, daughter-in- law Shelley Basich, daughter Laurie Basich, son-in-law William Watkins, granddaughters Bethany (Eli) Martin, Jenni (Sean) Hulburt, Heather (Eric) Sorg, Christina Watkins, Jessica Watkins, and great-grandsons Urban and Warren Sorg.

Tony will be laid to rest at Holly Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Rios Ministry through Harrisville Methodist Church, P.O. Box 173. Harrisville, Ohio, 43974.

The family is being assisted by Borkoski Funeral Home, Adena, Ohio. Offer online condolences at www. borkoskifuneral.com.