Luigi Basile

Springfield – Luigi Basile, 87, passed away at home surrounded by loving children on August 11, 2020. Luigi was born on August 13, 1932 in Bracigliano, Italy to the late Alfonso and Elisabetta (Laudati) Basile. At 17, Luigi moved with his brother, Rocco, to Argentina where he was a successful middle-weight boxer and professional waiter. Arriving to the United States at age 22, Luigi settled in Springfield and worked at La Fiorentina Pastry Shop where he met the love of his life, Jennie Liquori. They were married for 51 years and raised a beautiful family, before she predeceased him in 2008. His son Alphonse predeceased Luigi in 1962. Luigi worked at General Fiber Box as a machine operator before he retired in 1994. He was a devout communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, and a member of the Mount Carmel Society and champion captain of the Club’s Bocce League. He as a great man who accomplished so much in his life, and he cherished life and loved his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his children Elisabetta “Lisa” Basile of Springfield, Anthony Basile and his wife Lucia of East Longmeadow, and Ann Marie Basile of Springfield, his grandchildren: Michael, John and his wife, Sarah, Giuliano and his wife, Dasha, Anthony, Tina, Marco, Alexia, and Brenden and his great grandson, Mason. He is survived by his brother Rocco Basile and his sister Michela Calabrese both of Springfield, his brother-in-law Gennaro Buonfiglio of Longmeadow, his sister-in-law Lena Peloquin of West Springfield, and his many nieces and nephews. His loving baby sis, Yolanda Buonfiglio predeceased Luigi in 2017. The family would like to especially thank Sister Stella Tibanihira and all of the nurses and aids at Trinity Hospice who took such loving care of Luigi. Calling hours will be held Friday August 14, 2020 from 4-7pm in Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow. Funeral services are Saturday August 15, 2020 at 7:45am in the funeral home. Followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Springfield. Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made in Luigi’s name to Trinity Hospice, Attn: Laurie Mellor, Suite 3, 200 Hillside Circle, West Springfield MA 01089, or to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 123 William Street, Springfield MA 01108. To leave a message of personal condolence or for more information, visit www.forastiere.com.