William Bass

William Bass, a resident of Woodmere, New York for 65 years, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013, at the grand age of 100 years old and just 6 weeks shy of his 101st birthday. Born on September 10, 1912, William lived through two world wars.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Russian immigrants, William graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and spent most of his life as a dress manufacturer, working in the heart of the garment industry during its heyday in New York City. He retired at the age of 82, not because he wanted to, but because the firm he worked for went out of business, along with other firms, victims of the loss of garment manufacturing in New York.

Drafted into the US Army during World War II, William served as a staff sergeant from 1942 until 1946 and spent his service in Japan, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. The years he spent defending his country were among the proudest of his life.

After he returned from the war, William met his wife, Bette. They were married for 63 years. Bette owned the famous Bette Bass Boutique in Woodmere for 45 years and died on March 28, 2011.

Known for his kind nature and generosity, William was a true family man who took pride in taking care of his wife and three daughters. He had an avid interest in politics and was a great joke teller which reflected his warm sense of humor.

William is survived by his three daughters and son-in laws, Carol and Robert Gursky, Dr. Sherry J. Bass, Patricia and Bruce Siegel and grandchildren, Adam and Michele Gursky, Mara Gursky and Keith Siegel.