Vito J. Basile

Vito J. Basile, 94, of Salamanca, NY died Monday evening, November 18, 2024 at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Born April 25, 1930 in Buffalo, NY, the oldest son of the late Peter and Angelina Chiazza Basile. Vito was a graduate of the Buffalo Public School System.

He served in the U.S. Air Force as an airplane mechanic during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he went on to earn both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Buffalo State College.

In 1960, he married the love of his life, Donna Krott at St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church in Allegany, NY. Together they raised five loving children. For decades, the family enjoyed countless vacations with family and friends in Cape Canaveral, FL and Outer Banks, NC.

Vito was a dedicated Industrial Arts and Driver Education teacher at Salamanca High School for over 35 years, finally retiring in 1992. During part of that time, he served as President of the Salamanca Teacher’s Association.

He was a member and former President of the Elkdale Country Club. For many years, he served as the Chairman of the former Salamanca District Hospital Board of Directors, a member of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535, and the former Elks Club.

Vito was an avid New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan. However, he found the most joy spending time with his huge extended family and longtime friends, reading, golfing, and conquering more than 71k games of Free Cell.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 64 years, Donna; his three daughters, Theresa Vottis, Margaret (Robert) Harris, Susan Vottis; two sons, Peter (Virginia) Basile, Michael (Cherie) Basile; eleven grandchildren, Christina (Erik Momberger) Vottis, Amanda (Andrew) Auricchio, Louis Basile, Rocco Basile, Francesca Basile, Adam Basile, Rachael Basile, Connor Basile, Brianna Vottis, Lauren Vottis, Makayla Vottis; two great-grandchildren, Josephine and Theodore Auricchio; two brothers, John Basile, Peter (Carol) Basile; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Angeline Larkin.

There will be no visitation. Burial will be held at a later date in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Salamanca Library, 155 Wildwood Avenue, Salamanca, NY 14779 or the Salvation Army, 83 South Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or facebook.com/onofh.