East Hampstead, NH- Michael Edmund Basile, Jr, age 86, formerly of Andover, MA, January 31st, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Son of Esther and Michael E. Basile Sr., born in Boston, MA on June 2, 1938, Mike was a graduate of Northeastern University where he was a member of the ROTC Program. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Mike’s service in the U.S. Army brought him to Okinawa, Japan, for which he was awarded The National Defense Service Medal. Following his military service he worked as an Insurance Claims Adjuster and was owner of his own independent insurance investigation firm, Andover Claims Management.
Mike was a devoted member of St. Augustine Parish in Andover and served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph Church in Ballardvale. He found joy in serving others through his volunteer work with the Andover Senior Center, where he provided assistance and transportation to seniors, and with Andover Veterans’ Services, where he was an active member and photographer. Above all, his favorite activity was spending time with family and friends, whether celebrating holidays and birthdays or simply enjoying good conversation, a meal, and his favorite cannoli.
He was an avid member of the Boston and Maine Railroad Historical Society, where he cultivated his passion for trains and railroads. A lifelong reader, he could often be found at his local library, borrowing books and connecting with librarians and patrons. He treasured sharing stories from his time serving in Okinawa, offering a window into history and his personal experiences. His warmth and curiosity extended to the kitchen, where he enjoyed weekly dinners with family, sampling and sharing ideas for new dishes. These moments of storytelling, laughter, and connection will be fondly remembered by all who knew him
Michael was predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Charlotte R. (Morris) Basile, who lost her battle with cancer in 2009. Together Mike and Charlotte raised their family in Woburn and ultimately Andover where they were active members of the town and faith communities.
Michael is survived by his family and beloved companion, Lucille Bonanno of Methuen. He will be missed by his two daughters, Christine M. McDonnell, her husband Steven and their children Ian and Luke McDonnell of Andover, Minnesota and Catherine M. Jurgen, her husband Mark and their sons, Cameron and Blake Jurgen of Tewksbury, MA; two sons, Michael E. Basile III of Gilmanton, NH, and Paul M. Basile, his wife Leela M. Bakshi of Bradford, MA, and their children, Jonathan and Ryan Basile and Aidan, Alexandra, and Abby Scanlon; two siblings, Terry Basile of Chico, CA and Donald Basile of St. George, UT as well as many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass Monday, February 10th at 10:30 am at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., Andover. Calling hours will be Sunday, February 9th at Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Interment, with military honors, will be in the Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Andover Veteran Services, 36 Bartlet Street, Andover MA 01810. For additional information, please visit, wwwlburkemagliozzi.com.