OBITUARY
Thomas E. Basco
August 22, 1941 – February 22, 2021
PEKIN ~ Thomas E. “Tom” Basco, 79, of Pekin, passed away at 1:05 a.m. Monday, February 22, 2021 at UnityPoint Health in Pekin.
Born August 22, 1941 in Chicago, he was the son of William and Julie (Ziemba) Basco. He married Judith Marie Waskowski on November 22, 1969 in Pekin. She died October 16, 2020 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Meredith E’Cole Basco and Angel Noel Basco.
Surviving are two daughters, Brigette (Dan) Sullivan and Korissa (John) Burns, both of Pekin and seven grandchildren, Zachary Sullivan, Carter Sullivan, Braden Sullivan, E’Cole Mucciante, Logan Mucciante, Gavin Burns and Drake Burns. He also leaves a brother-in-law, Tom Waskowski of Pekin; a sister-in-law, Joyce Waskowski of Sun Lakes, Arizona and several nieces and nephews that he thought the world of.
He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.
Tom enjoyed a long career as a cost accountant, first with Komatsu in Peoria, later with Vactor Manufacturing in Streator and last with Kress Corporation in Brimfield. He retired at age 72. His family was his everything and he strived to never miss his kids or grandkids activities. He liked watching sports and enjoyed fishing while on family trips to Nokay Lake in Minnesota.
Tom was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin and a member of Knights of Columbus Archbishop Schlarman Council #3507 in Pekin. He coached girls’ basketball for seven years at St. Joseph School and also formerly coached girls’ softball at the Pekin Union Mission. He loved coaching his girl’s in Gus Macker Tournaments throughout the area too.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Tom was a gentle soul that put everyone else first, especially in caring for his dear wife.
His private memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. No visitation is planned. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Air Force and Tazewell Military Rites Team. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, 300 South 6th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Thomas E. Basco
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ADD A MEMORYMegan Schrick Pruessner
March 2, 2021
Brigette, Korissa and families.
May Gods loving and gentle hands surround you during this difficult time. You all have suffered so much loss with both your parents and your sister Meredith. I am deeply sorry.
My childhood is deeply enriched with the many many days and nights I spent with the Bascos. Saturday basketball games, boating/jet ski on Lake Arlann, late night trips to Taco Bell, and fondue on New Years Eve just to name a few. I was truly blessed to have these special special people in my life. I love you all dearly.
Megan (Raisin)
Rex & Wilanna Thorpe
February 28, 2021
Bridget & Korissa, Rex and I have so many wonderful memories when you girls were playing softball at the Mission. Your mom and I not only cheered for our little girls but for the dedicated dads who coached them. We're praying for your peace and comfort.
Jerry Beasley
February 27, 2021
We're so sorry for your loss, especially since it was only 4 months after your mother's passing. Praise the Lord they're together again in heaven without the medical issues of the past several years. Our prayers are with all their survivors. May the Comforting Hand of Our Savior be with you all at this time of need. Rest in Peace, Tom and Judy.
Jerry & Mary Beasley
Scott and Mary Lange
February 27, 2021
Our hearts ache for you and your families. We pray that your loving memories will give you comfort and peace during this very difficult time. Please take care and know that we are thinking of you across the miles.
Julie Sash
February 26, 2021
I am so saddened for your family by the loss of your father. You girls have had a tough several months. Prayers for you.
Michael Lesko
February 26, 2021
Saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. We shared many good basketball conversations over the years. My sympathies to his family.
Jack Ciaccia
February 26, 2021
We are very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We served in the Air Force as Electronic Warfare System Techs together, and he and I were good friends. Tom attended our wedding at the Kingsley Field Base Chapel in Klamath Falls, Oregon in June of 1962. We just reunited a year ago on FB again and were enjoying reminiscing about our times together with the rest of our old Air Force buddies.
Attached is a picture of myself and Tom took in May 1961 as we were heading out to pick up our dates to attend a prom at Klamath Falls Union High School. We were 18 years old and just out of high school ourselves. RIP old friend!
Jack and Mary Ciaccia
Nashua, NH
Jan Darnell
February 25, 2021
So very sorry to learn of Tom’s passing.....I will always remember Tom at the Union Mission softball games with his girls...always had a smile on his face and his love for family was so evident.
Sending prayers and love to his family at this difficult time, Jan and John
Karen DiDonato
February 24, 2021
Dear Brigette and Korissa, I was saddened to see that your Dad Tom has passed on shortly after your Mom's death! That's what is a Broken Heart! They could not live on without one another! They raised you Girls to be very strong in Faith and Character! I was your Mom's friend first but then your Dad was her side. I know this is going to be a real challenge in all that has come your way but I know you will handle this the way things should be done! Reach out at anytime if need be and I could probably make you laugh about some of the shenanigans we pulled off! We bowled together and your Dad was always out there at the alley watching her and cheering your Mom on! Your Mom and I went to Fla with Aunt Mary back in the day and we had a blast! Just rest and know your parent's lived their lives to the fullest with each other! 💜
Bobbi Prather
February 23, 2021
My deepest condolences to your family. I never saw Tom without Judy, or catching up on their lives. Judy's permanent smile is back. I lost my Mother 6 months from losing my Dad. Broken heart's can only be mended by God's Will & Saving Grace.
Carolyn Godby
February 23, 2021
Korisa,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dear Father. May pleasant memories of your times with Dad help you through your grief. Your parents were great ones--always interested in their family's activities.
Carolyn Godby
Peg Watson Ebert
February 23, 2021
Girls, I am so sorry. He was a quiet and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, please let me know.
Dean & Mary Jane Ingram
February 22, 2021
Brigette , Korissa, & families,
We are saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a friendly neighbor who cared deeply for all of you. His willingness to take care of your mom during her illness was admirable. May comfort & peace surround all of you in the days ahead.
Katie Meskimen
February 22, 2021
Korissa i am so sorry to hear that your dad died. i just heard a few minutes ago. He was always so nice to me. Sorry for your loss
katie meskimen