WESTFIELD – Edmund Bashista, 86, of Westfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke. He was born in Westfield, MA on October 18, 1926, son of the late Andrew and Victoria (Czelusniack) Bashista.Upon graduating from Westfield High School in 1944, Ed enlisted in the Army, serving in Germany. He was a member of the American Legion. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Bates College, Lewiston, Maine and a Master’s Degree from Springfield College. He also studied at Norwich University, Northfield, VT and Trinity College in Connecticut. He was employed for several years in advertising in New York City and in retail in Buffalo and Rochester, NY. Popular with students and faculty, he retired in 1992 after a 30 year career as instructor of French and Spanish at Forest Park School in Springfield. His interests extended to all foreign languages, especially the Slavic languages, and he spoke Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, and also German. He loved to listen to opera and had a sizable collection of French recorded singers. He was interested in Post Office history and was a member of the Post Mark Collectors Club.
He is survived by his sister, Jennie Bashista of Westfield and a niece, Glenda Garlo of Connecticut. He was predeceased by his sisters, Emily Bashista and Stella Garlo and his brother, Theodore Basista.
A service with military honors will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam at 2:00 p.m. Calling hours are omitted.
Memorial Donations may be made to an animal rescue organization of the donor’s choice.
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