Leszek Stanislaw Basak

Leszek (known to family and friends as Les or Lesio) passed away at home on Thursday, December 4th, 2025. He was born on September 16th, 1956 in Tomaszów Lubelski, Poland to the late Edward and Eugenia Basak.

Les was a kind and loyal man. He cared deeply for his family and maintained a number of close life-long friendships. He was the type to never forget a birthday and was always thinking of the well-being of those around him. He was the epitome of the cool uncle and was just as likely to offer serious advice and guidance as he was to crack a corny joke or pull a prank. After graduating from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, he began his career with Lockheed Martin. His 32 years in the field was marked by his foundational role in the development of the MK 41 Vertical Launch System and the awarding of several launching system advanced technologies related patents. After leaving Michigan, he lived in Florida and California before settling outside of Baltimore, Maryland. He regularly travelled to spend time with family in Michigan and Poland. Through his life, he maintained a number of collections and had an appreciation for artillery, pyrotechnics, aviation, space, scuba, and exploring local events. He married his loving wife, Valerie, on July 11th, 2023. Though their time together was short, it was joyous; they enjoyed traveling, hiking, and the small moments of the everyday.

Les is survived by his wife, Valerie Latimore; his brother, Bolesław Basak; niece and nephew Alyce (Nick) Machcinski and Nicholas Basak; as well as extended family in Michigan, Maryland, and Poland.

A memorial celebration of life will be held in Kalamazoo, MI in March along with internment at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, World Wildlife Fund, Toys for Tots, or Disabled Veterans of America.