Nello P. Bassignani, Jr. 78, of Franklin, passed away Wednesday March 9, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family, following an illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Carol M. (Gauthier) Bassignani.
Nello was a lifelong resident of the town of Franklin, and graduated from Franklin High School. In 1965 he married the love of his life Carol M. Gauthier and they shared 49 wonderful years together.
Nello was an active leader in Franklin's town sports with Pop Warner Football and Little League, and Womens Softball and Basketball. You name it, he coached it. Through his many years of coaching he was a mentor and inspiration to so many people who to this day have kept close relationships with him.
Nello was also an active member of the historic Franklin Moose Lodge where in his youth could be found telling his colorful stories and playing poker. He and Carol were also active with St. Mary's church and volunteered their time to assist with the Feast of St Rocco's Festivals.
He was a true historian and was always able to provide details on who was who in the town of Franklin; where they grew up, who their family members were, etc. He was also all about family and had a strong devotion to his Italian heritage. Several times he and Carol travelled to Italy to spend time with loved ones from the town of Merrizzo, where members of his family originated.
He loved gardening and was passionate about his San Marzo Italian tomatoes. He also loved fishing and everything about nature and spent a lot of time on walks around the Franklin area.
He adored his children and grandchildren and spent every minute that he could with them. There were many special trips and memories made at Disney, Washington DC, Alaska, and Old Orchard Beach. He enjoyed his birthday parties around the pool on King Street with his family and friends where he entertained everyone with his stories and history lessons.
Nello is survived by his four children; Lisa Bassignani of Foxboro and her husband Ronnie Cook, Mary Davis and her husband Michael of Franklin, Debra Hanson of Bellingham and Philip Bassignani and his wife Deidre of Franklin. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Nathan, Lucy, Autumn, Caoilinn, Michael and Joe. He is also survived by his two brothers Peter Bassignani of Falmouth and Michael Bassignani of Franklin. He was the son of the late Nello P Bassignani Sr and Catherine N Bassignani (Bertulli).
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Tuesday March 15th, at 10AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 11AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org
Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Monday from 4-7PM.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home is honored to assist the Bassignani family.