Richard Lee Bassetti, 77, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully at Cornerstone Hospice, The Villages, Florida, with his wife of 53 years by his side, on January 30, 2023.

Born in Dover on August 4, 1945, he was the son of the late Florence Margaret (DeSerio) and Anthony Bassetti, who were local restaurateurs of Bassetti’s Restaurant in New Philadelphia.

Dick graduated from St. Joseph High School, continuing his formal education at Muskingum College, playing baseball for both schools. At Muskingum, he was a proud member of the MACE Club fraternity and pursued a career in teaching. During his sophomore year of college, Dick was named to the Ohio Conference All-Star Team for his baseball achievements.

Most significantly, it was at Muskingum where he met and fell in love with his wife, the former Lynne Wentz. Together, they were blessed with the birth of their children, were active in their children and grandchildren’s lives, loved to travel, and wintered in Florida.

Professionally, Dick taught Science for the New Philadelphia School District for 35 years. He began his career at Central Elementary and later at Welty Middle School before retirement. While teaching, he completed his Master Degree in Education from the University of Akron. He had the privilege of teaching thousands of students in his career with the goal of making learning enjoyable while having a positive impact on their lives.

When he wasn’t teaching, Dick could be found at Tappan, Leesville, or Atwood Lake with a fishing rod in his hand. He passed his love of the sport onto his son, Christopher, his daughter, Carolyn, and grandsons, Grant and Dean. He loved being on the water, so he served as a patrolman at Atwood Lake and was a board member for the MWCD. He was an avid Cleveland sports team follower throughout his lifetime.

Dick’s memory will be forever cherished by his wife, Lynne of New Philadelphia; his children, Christopher (Jan) Bassetti of North Canton and Carolyn (Tony) Moscardelli of St. Joseph, MI; his grandchildren, Grant and Dean; his brother-in-law, Greg (Nancy) Wentz; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Bassetti Olczak.