Joseph N. Basile

COLONIE-Joseph Basile was born in Albany, NY in 1926, to Antoinette (Nettie) and Leonard Anthony (Tony) Basile. He left the stage for the final time on September 7, 2016, after delighting the nursing and medical staff during a very brief but often comic hospitalization.

Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and businessman, "Papa Joe" shared his heart and his humor with everyone he encountered. The world was his stage and he never missed a chance to make people smile. Full of one-liners and countless "dad jokes," he leaves behind a universe of smiles, memories and a circle of love that extended far and wide. He never met an ice-cream he didn't like.

He attended Albany Public School 3 and then Christian Brothers Academy until he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945. He served as Radioman 3rd Class aboard the amphibious ship LSMR-402, USS Big Horn River, preparing for combat in the Pacific Theater. Upon his discharge he graduated from the Dunwoody Institute, Minn., where he learned to bake, a passion he enjoyed for his entire life. He wooed and married the love of his life, Janet Mary Smith, in 1953. They remained happily married for nearly 59 years until her passing.

Joe worked for Basile Mobile Homes, and managed the University at Albany commissary until the early 70s. He then opened a chain of sub shops, Big Dom's Subs, with his older brother Dom, and grew them into one of the region's greatest success stories. For a few years after that, he and Jan ran a bakery and deli on North Pearl Street, much to the amusement of their customers and co-workers.

Joe was a performer, but an effortless one. He missed no opportunity to share a story, crack a joke, or work in a witty one-liner. No venue was safe—restaurants, doctor's offices, department stores, even churches. The entire world was Joe's stage. This resulted in many eye-rolls by his children (sorry Dad).

He loved his Yankees and never missed a game. He would appreciate it if they won the Series for him this year.
Joe's beloved wife Janet passed in 2012, and he weathered that loss but missed her daily. He is survived by his children, Michael (Vivian) Basile of East Greenbush, Peggy Dralle of Colonie, Stephen Basile of Austin, Texas, Donna (Tim) Murphy of Colonie and Toni (Ted) Burke, of Loudonville.

He is also survived by six grandchildren who brightened his every waking moment, and whom he loved so very dearly: Tim (Kaitlin), Packy (Alyssa), and Brendan Murphy, Ted and Andy Burke and Meghan Dralle. His first great grandchild, Connor James Murphy captured his heart from the moment he was born last February and the two were inseparable.
Joe is also survived by his brother Rick (Katie), many dear friends, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He leaves behind a multitude of friends who felt like family, especially his friend Val Tebbano, who visited him daily and embraced Joe's warped humor. He was predeceased by his father Tony, his mother, Nettie, sister Roccatelle and brothers Dom and Leonard.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 on Sunday, September 11, 2016 from 11:00am-2:00pm. A mass of Christian burial and a celebration of Joe's life on Earth will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206, at 9:00am on Monday, September 12, 2016. Burial will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY.

Joe was honored as part of a group of WWII veterans on a Patriot Flight in 2010, and it was one of the greatest moments of his life. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to The Patriot Flight organization at http://patriotflight.org/donate-now/.