John A Bassett Jr.

John A Bassett Jr., Age 88 of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 21th, 2018. He was born April 27, 1929 in Winooski, VT. He is Preceded in death by first wife, Charlotte (Hebert) Bassett; and parents, John Bassett Sr. and Margaret Connors. Survived by his sister Nancyann Bassett and 3 daughters: Sandra Charlson (Vermont), Bonnie (Ron) Tucker (Vermont) and Lisa (Rick) Lucia (Vermont), 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. John was in the United States Marine Corps from July 1946 – January 1948. After the military he became a pressman (typesetter) and worked for Rumford Press and later Lane Press. He began studying martial arts (Uechi-ryu) and eventually opened his own Dojo in Plattsburgh N.Y and in 1978 sailed to Florida and became a security guard with Harris Corporation. Later he returned to teaching and operated the OKA dojo in Melbourne Fl. John and his friend Kathleen bought a wooden sailboat in 1981 and loved sailing. John leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and cherished memories, he will be missed by his students and many dear friends. A celebration of life will be held near the river in Old Eau Gallie, Florida on May 26, 2018 between the hours of 5 – 7 PM at 1393 Pineapple Ave.