Basile Joseph "Joe" A.

Joseph "Joe" A. Basile, 94, of 154 Reynolds Ave., Meadville, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at Marquette Hospice House, Meadville.

Joe was born at home in Meadville, on March 26, 1922, a son of the late Sebastion and Marie (Vardaro) Basile.

On July 31, 1945, Joe married Ethel J. Limano; she preceded him in death on May 10, 2015.

He was a member of St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church where he had served as an usher.

Upon the closing of its doors, Joe retired in 1985 from the former American Viscos where he had been employed since 1948. During this time he also worked part time at the former Meadville Italian Bakery. Following his retirement he worked at Sherry's Car Wash. A WW II veteran, Joe enlisted in the US Army on October 21, 1942 and served his country honorably until his discharge on November 19, 1945. Joe fought in France from the invasion of D-Day until his was captured by the Germans on July 8, 1944. He remained a Prisoner of War for almost a year before arriving safely in England for his return to the US. Prior to enlisting in the US Army, Joe was employed by the former Keystone Ordnance Works. He attended Meadville schools. Joe had a passion for watching as well as playing golf, having shot a hole in one on more than one occasion. He enjoyed gardening and canning. He loved grilling, especially hot peppers; in his view, the hotter the pepper, the better the pepper. Joe will be remembered most as a caring and dedicated husband as well as a hard worker.

Joe is survived by a brother John Basile of Erie, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Ethel, of 69 years, Joe was preceded in death by four sisters Philamena Pero, Elsi Minis, Carmella Paris, Mary Bocchine, three brothers Michael "Mike" Basile, Pasquale "Pat' Basile and Louis Basile.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 10:00-11:30 AM at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, at 12:00 noon with Fr. Tom Trocchio, Parochial Vicar, officiating.

Following Full Military Honors by VFW Post # 2006, Joe will be laid to rest next to his wife, Ethel, in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com