Basil A. Evangelisti

SCOTIA, NY – Basil A. (Bessel) Evangelisti, 93, passed away on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2009 at the Baptist Retirement Center after a brief illness. Born in Lynn, MA he was the son of the late Frank and Rose Evangelisti. Basil attended school in Lynn, MA and Canajoharie, NY. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, serving in the Pacific Theatre. Basil attended Albany Business College from 1946 through 1948. He retired from the University Club in Albany where he worked in accounting. Sports, however, were his passion. Basil played baseball and boxed in his younger years and after his retirement truly enjoyed skiing and golf. He was a diehard Boston Red Sox fan and finally got to see his team win their first and second World Series championships. A more loyal fan you could not find! Over the years his love of sports took him to countless baseball, basketball, football and hockey games. Not to be forgotten was how much he loved to sing and dance. Basil was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Merle Elmendorf Evangelisti and his four sisters. Basil is the devoted father of Mary Beth (Bob) Watts of Scotia, Linda Evangelisti of Albany and Lisa (Kevin) Truax of Ballston Spa. He is the cherished grandfather of Richard Watts of Kona, HI, Jaime Watts of Scotia, Lisa (Richard) Parish of Seneca Falls, Matthew Truax of New York, NY and Sarah Truax of Clifton Park. He is the loving great-grandfather to Marley, Skyler and Trace Parish. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to greatly acknowledge the caring and compassionate staff on N-2 of the Baptist Retirement Center in Scotia. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Basil will be laid to rest with his beloved wife in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Those wishing to remember Basil in a special way may send a contribution in Basil's name to the Activities Dept. at Baptist Health Nursing and Retirement Center, 297 Ballston Ave., Scotia, NY 12302. The family would be very grateful and appreciative and will treasure any memories you have of Basil. Those can be posted at www.NewcomerAlbany.com