Robert "Bob" Bassitt

Robert “Bob” Bassitt, 88, of Northwood, Ohio passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021.  He was born on August 26, 1933 in Lima, Ohio to Robert and Mary Catherine Bassitt.  Bob was a graduate of Lima Central High School and served in the U.S. Army, shortly after the Korean War.  He worked 35 years for the Standard Oil Company/B.P Refinery, as a process supervisor, retiring in 1991. 
Growing up in Lima, Bob was the oldest of 7 children.  He excelled at football and baseball and was recruited by the University of Kentucky to play football under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.  After one year in college, his mother passed away unexpectedly, and Bob returned home to support his family.  He began work at Standard Oil and soon met his wife, Jayne.  They shared 62 wonderful years together, raising 3 children.  Bob most loved the time he shared with his family at everyday events, school activities and travels to the Caribbean, Canada, Chicago, Florida, California and many other places.
Bob had a variety of interests centered around athletics, nature, volunteering and most importantly his family and grandchildren.  As his children grew up, he was very active in all their school activities.  Bob and Jayne led the fundraising and installation of lights at the Northwood High School football stadium and were active in the athletic boosters.  He also took great joy in being involved in his grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events as well as sharing his love of nature with them with trips to the park.  He enjoyed being the ‘chief statistician’ for his grand children’s team.
Bob’s love of nature led him to work at Pearson Park part-time after retirement and to volunteer at Middlegrounds Park.  Park rangers often relied on Bob’s expertise and determination to complete park projects.  He had a particular interest in preserving wetland areas.  Bob led the design of the wetlands at Nature Trails Park in Northwood and helped obtain funding.  He also planted over 80 evergreen trees still standing today near Curtice Road and I-280.  Bob raised wild turkeys for several years and was active in the Pheasants Forever nature group.  He traveled with a group to Yellowstone National Park as part of the reintroduction of the grey wolf back into the park.  A safari trip to Kenya, Africa was also a real thrill.
Bob was a founding member and president of the Northwest Ohio Browns Backers until 2000.  He was an active member of the Christ Dunberger American Legion where he served on the color guard and as Post Historian.  Bob volunteered several years at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio, lending a shoulder to those in need. 
Bob will be remembered for his friendly demeanor and love of family – always leaving those he touched feeling better for being with him.
Bob is survived by his children, John (Dawn) Bassitt, Michael (Mary Ann) Bassitt, and Julie (Matthew) Tucholski; grandchildren, Christopher (Jessica), Brian (Erin), Matthew (Allison), and David (Chelsie) Bassitt and Katie and Amanda Tucholski; and great-grandchildren Evelyn Bassitt, Landry Bassitt and River Bassitt.  Bob is the eldest of 7 siblings. He is survived by sisters Carol Ann (Don) Williams, Linda Lou Derth, Pat Miller, and Mary (Tom) Gerdeman.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Cora Jayne; and brothers, William “Bill” Bassitt and Michael Bassitt.
Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Road in Oregon on Friday, September 10, 2021 from 10:00-12:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at Lake Township Cemetery.  Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio and to Dunberger Post 537 in Oregon, OH.
www.freckchapel.com