David “Hap” A. Bassett – Age 76, died Friday, April 7, at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was the beloved husband of Irene C. (Goveia) Bassett, with whom he built a beautiful life in their 57 years together.
He was born in Somerville, MA on December 16, 1946, a son of the late Everett and Mildred (Long) Bassett. He lived in Billerica for 45 years, and then spent a few years in Hudson, FL before moving to Salem, NH two years ago.
For many years David was employed as a Salesman in the Packaging Industry. He was an avid reader, and loved the Bruins, fishing and oldies music. One of Hap’s greatest joys was spending time with his big family. He was the favorite uncle, the loudest leader in the Bassett family rendition of “Happy Birthday’, and a jokester with his brothers and sister until his last moments. His favorite thing was always teasing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, putting them in “jail” and giving high-fives and his signature whistle. We know we will be finding his secret chocolate stashes hidden for months to come and will always think of Hap with a smile.
Besides his wife, David is survived by his children, Tracy Fitzgerald and her husband Stephen of Salem, NH, Brian Bassett and his fiancé Jamie Murnane of Billerica, Keith Bassett and his wife Nikki of Billerica, and Brenda Livingstone and her husband Christopher of Dracut; his sister, Jeanne Ells and her husband Tom of Salisbury, brothers John “Jack” Bassett and his wife Donna of Brockton and Philip Bassett and his wife Annette of Stoneham, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren, Nicole Sigman and her husband Jason, Justin Bassett, Scott Fitzgerald and his fiancé Kayla, Tayla Bassett, DJ Fitzgerald and his wife Courtney, Brian Bassett Jr. And his wife Heather, Walter Gallant, Michael Livingstone, Kerry Livingstone, Kayla Bassett, and three great-grandchildren, Jayden Sims, Wyatt and Nola Sigman. Also, Baby boy Fitzgerald, who is expected in July.
There is no doubt Hap was welcomed with a party in heaven, reuniting with his parents and brother Larry, surely with a Tanqueray and tonic and lots of chocolate.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4-7 p.m. A graveside service will be held Thursday at the Fox Hill Cemetery, 130 Andover Rd., Billerica at 12:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to the American Lung Association, www.lung.org
Previous Events
Visitation
12
Apr
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Graveside
13
Apr
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
