Basil James Vecchione – Moon Township

Basil James Vecchione, 74, of Moon Township, passed away softly on Sept. 11, 2021, after standing with courage and grace in the face of cancer. He was born on April 11, 1947, son of Erminia (Luciani) and Dominic Vecchione of Monessen. He graduated from Monessen High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Salem College in Salem, W.Va. In the 1970s, Basil was dedicated to art; he was an art teacher at Ringgold High School in Monongahela before co-owning a clay business, mentoring students on pottery and ceramic techniques at the Manchester Craftsman Guild and jurying crafters for the Pittsburgh Arts Festival. In the 1980s, Basil joined the airlines and found his niche with US Airways, retiring in 2006 with 30 years of service. He was a flight line manager through the early ’90s and spent the last 13 years of his career doing what he loved best — soaring international skies and exploring the world. Except for flight routes, there were no straight paths for Basil — wandering here, dabbling there, embracing everything life offered. He was a visionary designer, an accomplished woodworker, a captivating photographer, a green thumb, a creative cook, a collector of fine things, a generous soul, a kind heart and a loyal, faithful friend. Basil is survived by his sweetheart, Sandra Baird; a cousin whom he considered his sister, Florence Behanna, and her children, nephews Jim (Andy), David (Paula); great-niece Chloe and great-nephew Emery, all of New England; and cousins of the Luciani and Vecchione family lines. There will be a private reception celebrating Basil at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021. Others are cordially invited to attend an open house from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Celebrations Social Hall, 8100 Steubenville Pike, Imperial, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heroes Supporting Heroes. Basil was touched by and grateful for their generous and selfless acts of kindness in his final months. www.heroessupportingheroes.org.