Obituary of Francis Basta

Dansville- Francis A. "Frank" Basta 89, Beloved husband and father, passed away at home on Sunday February 26, 2012. He was born in Brooklyn on April 23, 1922, a son of the late Augustine and Louise (Afatatlo) Basta. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Callista Jean, a son, Michael A. Basta of Rochester, a sister Mary (Thomas) Encinosa of Orlando, several nieces and nephews including Thomas and Francis Garone. He is also predeceased by a son James Basta and siblings, Elizabeth Garona and Salvatore Basta. A WW II Veteran, Frank served from 1942 to 1946 with the 611th Army Air Force. He earned his BA in English at St. John's College in NYC, his master's in Education at Hunter College Manhattan. During a Sabbatical in 1969, he pursued an advanced degree in English at SUNY Geneseo, completing course work for a master's degree in English Literature. Following two years in the NYC School System, Frank began teaching in Dansville in 1955, After three years at Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School teaching 5th grade, he was offered a Secondary opening in English and from 1958 to his retirement in 1986 he taught 10th , 11th , and 12th , grade English at Dansville Central School. Considered a strict but fair teacher, he imparted a love of reading to his students. In retirement Frank recalled his happiest days were in the classroom. Former students were all remembered by him and if names failed him, he could tell them by where that sat in class. He loved attending their reunions and always had time for them. After retirement he continued to spread his love of English and teaching experiences by surprising students at SUNY Geneseo during their practice teaching. He was a communicant of the Holy Family Catholic Community at St. Mary's Church in Dansville. A 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus of Bath, a member of the Daniel Goho Post of The American Legion, and past secretary of the Protective's Company of the Dansville Fire Department. He was a member and past president of the Dansville Teacher's Association. He was active with the Brae Burn Men's Golf Association, a willing volunteer of the community, driving patients to their dialysis and cancer treatments, delivering Meals on Wheels, and volunteering for the local Community Food Pantry. Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm at the Hindle Funeral Home, Inc. 271 Main St., Dansville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11:00 am in St. Mary's Church in Dansville. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Dansville. Online remembrances may be left at HindleFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, Dansville Ambulance or the Dansville Community Food Pantry.