OBITUARY
We lost a good man in Sam Basile this month.
While we mourn Sam, we also celebrate that he was a part of our lives.
Sam was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015. The next five years were filled with numerous victories and triumphs. Most importantly, it was five years spent with his loving family.
Sam realized his purpose in life was to help raise brain cancer awareness and help raise support to find a cure.
Support Sam’s goal
Head for the Cure Pittsburgh 5K
Sam and his family were enthusiastic participants in Head for the Cure Pittsburgh 5K. Sam ran in the 5K twice. This year’s race is virtual, but giving continues
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Donate in Sam’s memory by downloading and filling out this PDF.
Contact the Hillman Cancer Center Development Office at 412-623-4700 or email givetohillman@upmc.edu.
Please mail your donation (with donation form) to:
Development
UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B
5150 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Example of obituary wording: “In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. [If designated for a specific type of cancer research/program, please note this here]. Please mail to: Development Office, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.”
More about Sam
As our friend Brad said “he was the best of all of us.”
My wife Erica adds “he always made things better.”
Above all else, Sam was a father, husband, brother and son. From his obituary:
Sam loved all aspects of life, especially spending time with his family and friends, watching and being a part of all the activities in which his children participated, Disney World, golfing, Penn State, Steelers, Penguins, and everything Black and Gold, reading, attending concerts, and running 5K’s which he started training for after his diagnosis.
Penn State football was something we all rallied around with tailgates, viewing parties and spirited group texts. A friendly hockey rivalry between our group, La Coupe Hauxer, put Sam’s Penguins against my (and Fritz’s) Capitals, Brad’s Devils and Wiley’s Flyers. Each year, we’d wager on the outcome of head-to-head meetings between our teams. The winner, won La Coupe Hauxer. The loser — the Stanley Screwdriver and buying everybody lunch for all of us at the Vienna Inn.
Readers of this web site may remember Sam as “The Maryland Bureau Chief” from many Q&As when D.C. played Pittsburgh. His earlier adoption of this blog prompted me to give him a title. When he moved from Columbia, Md. back to Western Pennsylvania, Emeritus was added.
In so many ways, Sam was a wondeful part of some many lives. We’re richer for having knowing him. Now, we can thank him by continuing his purpose. Please consider donating to one of the charities above.
Benediction
I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; (2 Timothy 4:7).