Fred Bassler

Fred "Pete" Bassler passed away Sept. 30, 2017 comfortably at home within the care and love of family. Pete was born in 1934 to Peter and Sarah (Weidman) Bassler. He spent his life living in Berne NY, the town his Bassler ancestors helped found in 1750. In high school, he was an outstanding athlete in baseball and basketball and will be posthumously inducted into the BKW Athletic Hall of Fame on October 6th. He graduated from Berne-Knox Central in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army. In 1956, he married his high school sweetheart Janice Irene LeBuis and they shared 52 years of marriage until her passing in 2008. Pete built the home they shared and 50 years ago began creating "The Peat Bog", their pond and cabin next to their home. Janice and Pete entertained many generations of family and friends from all over the world. He was famous for his BBQ chicken and impromptu shindigs. For several years, Pete trucked milk seven days a week from Albany County farms to Central Dairy. In 1967 he became a bus driver for Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD, safely transporting thousands of students over his 31 years of service. In the summers, he would use his talented carpentry skills as a builder and remodeler. Pete was a life member of the Berne Fire Company, served as Captain of the Berne Ambulance Squad for many years, and was one of its first certified EMTs. He was famous for his unique skill as a dowser, locating underground water for those seeking to drill wells. He journaled these predictions and had great success over many decades. Friends and neighbors were always delighted to find some of Pete's homegrown corn or melons on their doorsteps. Pete was always up for an adventure, whether a short journey or a trip halfway around the world. Janice and Pete enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and many foreign countries over the years, all of them memorialized by his love of photography.
Pete was the devoted dad of three daughters, Terrice Bassler and husband Brad DeYoung of St. John's, Newfoundland, Debra and Haytham Bajouwa of Berne, Sharon and Scott Forman of Altamont. Beloved Pop Pop of Abigail and Sarah Forman of Altamont. Fondly remembered by sister Eleanor, dear friend Patricia Walker, his extended Bassler and LeBuis families, and special aunt Margaret Filkins. He was predeceased by wife Janice, his parents Peter and Sarah, brother John and granddaughter Clea Bassler. He will be greatly missed by a large community of dear friends, and his coffee buddies, with whom he gathered every morning to get the latest breaking news.
This past year Pete battled a serious medical challenge with wonderful support and care from Dr. Richard Blinkhorn, his team and staff at Albany Medical Center. Pete and the entire Bassler Family were extremely grateful for their dedication to him.
In tribute, contributions can be made to the "Fred Pete Bassler Memorial Award". This award will be presented yearly to a BKW senior pursuing a career in a medical field, and who exemplifies service to community and a strong work ethic. Please mail checks to: PO Box 6, Berne, NY 12023
Services will be held Saturday October 7, 2017 at the New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Visitation will be 11am-3pm, with a Berne Fire Co. Memorial service at 3pm and Life Celebration immediately following. All are welcome to join family as we return Pete to Berne after the services for Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery.