William Baskin

William J. Baskin, 72, of East Orleans, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 14, 2011. He grew up in Lexington, MA and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Tufts University and a Master’s Degree from Northeastern University. He moved from Burlington, MA to Orleans in 1971 and switched careers from electrical engineer to general contractor.

In 1977, he built and opened True Value Hardware of Orleans. Over the next 20 years, he opened stores in Harwichport, Brewster, South Dennis, and South Yarmouth. He considered his employees an extension of his family.

He took great pleasure in sharing his love for Ireland with his family and friends. He never missed an opportunity to display humorous and entertaining antics at his family’s annual talent show. He enjoyed his flower gardens and recounting embellished stories of fishing successes. In the 1980s, he was a supporter of the Cape Cod YMCA and was actively involved in the YMCA Indian Guide Program with his children. He was a proud friend of Bill W’s for 25 years.

His greatest joys were his 50-year marriage to his college sweetheart, Marilyn “Garrity” Baskin, and his family. He was the son of May Baskin and the late William John Baskin. He is also survived by five children and their spouses: Kathleen Baskin and Leonard Albano, Lauren Baskin and Lynn Colangione, John Baskin and Maryanne Baskin, Jeanne Baskin and Jamie Alcock, and Jim Baskin. He was an extraordinary Papa to Christopher, Julianne and Mark Albano; Brandon Baskin; Will and Molly Alcock; and Wyatt Baskin. He is also survived by his brother and his wife, Sue and Jim Baskin, by his sister and her husband, Ruth and Sam Francis, and several nieces and nephews as well as his many dear friends.

He lived every day in the honor of his God and created precious memories of joy and love with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Jimmy Fund / Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.