Richard L. "Dick" Bassney

Richard “Dick” Bassney Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and connection that touched countless lives. Born and raised in Corning, NY, Dick was the son of Isabel and Henry Bassney and the beloved brother of Patricia "Pat" and James "Jim."

Dick often credited a former high school teacher, “Wild Bill” Amey, with recognizing his potential and encouraging him to pursue higher education. He graduated from Alfred State with a degree in Electrical Engineering and proudly served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

Dick built his entire career in the electrical and electrical supply industry, beginning with NYSEG and later working with Pacific Gas and Electric in San Francisco, as well as with Horacek Hayden, his first job in Rochester. A pivotal moment came when a mentor, Art Principe, encouraged him to go into sales, an arena where Dick’s talent for building relationships truly flourished. He spent over 25 years at WE Daw and later co-founded Integra Sales, where he became known as a masterful and trusted connector in the field. A proud and dedicated member of the Electrical Association of Rochester for over 45 years, Dick mentored many and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. He believed in a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and the importance of really knowing people—and he taught those values to his children and grandchildren.

Although he officially retired at the age of 81, Dick never stopped calling on old friends and colleagues, simply because he cared. That same boundless warmth defined his life at home, especially in his marriage to Kate, his partner of over 55 years and the love of his life. He often said he "won the lottery" when he married into the large and loving McLaughlin family, who embraced him as one of their own. Together, he and Kate raised four children in the 19th Ward and later in Chili, in a home filled with laughter, euchre games, backyard pool parties, and the occasional spilled glass of milk.

Dick was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved nothing more than teaching his children and grandchildren to drive - lessons he continued to give long after he stopped driving himself. His pride in his family was immense, and his love for them was the foundation of who he was.

One of Dick’s greatest joys was spending time at Keuka Lake, where he worked side by side with his brother and brothers-in-law to fix up a family cottage that became a gathering place for summer memories. He was a passionate Notre Dame and Buffalo Bills fan, watching games with grandchildren who often came away with new vocabulary.

In later years, Dick was a devoted caregiver to his beloved Kate. After her passing, he continued to care for others, visiting ailing friends, delivering meals, and offering kindness through his longtime connection to St. Pius X Church. His breakfast and lunch groups became lifelines of joy and companionship. Dick’s ability to love, support, and truly see people was his gift—and it will be his legacy.

He is survived by his brother Jim Bassney; sisters-in-law Sheila Reeder and Libby Dolan; his children Patrick (Nancy), Ann/Deedee (Alan), Peter (Jim), and Richard (Kat); and eight grandchildren: Kevin, Sean, Ash, Erin, John, Daniel, Matthew, and Margaret. He also leaves behind many dear friends, former colleagues, and individuals who considered him a second father. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the community of friends who surrounded Dick with love, especially in his final years.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Church, located at 3010 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624 on August 8, 2025 at 10:00 am. Friends are invited to greet the family, following the Funeral Mass, at Agatina’s Restaurant, located at 2967 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY 14624, from 11:30 to 12:30, with an optional lunch to follow at 12:30. If you plan to stay for lunch, kindly RSVP by clicking on this link.

A private family interment will take place the following day.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Dick by extending a kindness, sharing a meal with someone who needs company, or simply picking up the phone to reconnect with an old friend—just as Dick would have done.

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