Fredric Basel of Westport, 82, passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, due to complications from a stroke. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Doris (Normandeau). The couple have seven children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Mr. Basel was born in Chicago and lived in the Midwest for much of his life. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. Fred was a graduate of University of Michigan, and he earned an M.B.A. at Michigan State University. A chemical engineer, he worked for Uniroyal/Michelin for 30 years, managing the tire Proving Grounds in Laredo Texas, and later facilitating the working relationship of company management and union employees in the tire factories.
As a young father Fred was active in the Boy Scouts of America. After moving to southeastern Massachusetts in 1999, he joined the Narragansett Bay Barbershop Chorus, traveling to regional competitions with the group. Mr. Basel was a member of the Men’s Luncheon Club at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford.
Fred was an accomplished woodworker, and family members will always cherish the beautiful pieces he crafted. Fred loved gardening, and his beautiful yard showed his pride and care. He was an avid outdoorsman, often hiking in Montana and snowshoeing in New Hampshire.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Basel is survived by his children: three sons – Peter Fontaine and his wife Tanya of Gulf Breeze, FL; Paul Fontaine and his wife Annamarie of Pensacola Beach, FL; Michael Basel of Colorado Springs, CO; and four daughters – Charlene Setzer of Fall River, MA; Christine Weiler and her husband Ken of New Baltimore, MI; Marie Fontaine of Westport, MA; and Marilyn Basel of East Lansing, MI.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service for Mr. Basel on Tuesday, July 8, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 945 Main Road in Westport. Burial with military honors at National Cemetery in Bourne will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. Basel’s memory to Paralyzed Veterans of America.