WESTBROOK – Louis Anthony “Buddy” Basso, 73, of Westbrook, passed away suddenly at Maine Medical Center in Portland on April 23, 2021.

Buddy was born in Portland on March 3, 1948. He was a 1966 graduate of Deering High School. He played football and was an All-State, All-American basketball player.

After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart, two Army commendation medals, and the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).

After being honorably discharged, Buddy went into Medical Sales. He also owned and operated Basso’s Italian Market in Windham, until he retired. He enjoyed coaching basketball at Sacopee Valley High School, and at Portland High School. He was loved and respected by his players.

Buddy was a kind, caring and very generous person who was totally devoted to his family. He was the “life of the party” and would always put smiles on the faces of everyone who knew him or even just came into contact with him.

During the time that he lived in Cornish and Kezar Falls, he was a volunteer EMT for the Sacopee Valley Rescue, and thoroughly enjoyed farming, caring for his livestock, making maple syrup, and participating in his community.

Buddy was an avid sports fan, and loved the Boston Red Sox, the Celtics, the Bruins, and the New England Patriots. He also loved to hunt and fish especially in Eustis. He was known for his delicious pizza, which everyone looked forward to, knowing that he would bring his homemade pizza to any celebration. He took pride in his beautiful back yard and in his garden.

Buddy was predeceased by his mother, Mary Leary Basso. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Linda (Fusco) Basso; his daughters Lori Smalley and her husband Brian of Portland, and Heather White and her husband Kevin of Westbrook, his son Brent of Windham; his sister Mary Ann Viola of Portland, his brother William “Skip” Basso of Bar Harbor; three beautiful granddaughters, Marina Galli of Portland, Payton Basso of Ohio, and Ava Galli of Portland; and his granddog, Rylee Basso White.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later day. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home in Portland.

Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to view Buddy’s tribute page and to sign his online guestbook.

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