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- Conte Funeral Home
Merrill ?Mel? Edwin Bassett Jr.
April 19, 1948 ? July 18, 2022
NORTH ANDOVER ? Merrill ?Mel? Edwin Bassett Jr., 74, of North Andover died Monday, July 18, 2022. He was born April 19, 1948, in Boston to Merrill Edwin Bassett and Helen (Kelleher) Bassett. Mel was a devoted and loving husband to his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Diane, and a supportive and caring father to their children, Michael and Jennifer, and seven grandchildren. He grew up in Lynn, graduated from Lynn Classical High School, and Northeastern University (Finance). He worked for more than 35 years at Polaroid as a financial analyst. Along with his older brother Gene, who predeceased him, and younger brother Rich, Mel spent many happy summers in Parker Head, Maine. Mel?s love for this special spot was lifelong, and he continued to bring his children there every summer. Mel met his best friend, Diane Perry, in Lynn. They married in 1970 and made a loving home together for many years in North Andover. Family members include his wife, Diane, of North Andover; his son, Michael Bassett of Hampton, N.H., and wife Lindsay and their children, Anna, Lily, Owen and Finley; his daughter, Jennifer Bassett Midle of Hillsborough, Calif., and husband Mark Midle and their children, Drew, Alex and Will; his brother, Rich, wife Lora; brother Gene and wife Rosmary (deceased); brother-in-law Paul and wife Diana; sister-in-law Salandrea and husband Bob; and many nieces and nephews. Mel was a best friend to his wife, Diane. A true one. He always said she saved him, but the feeling was mutual. Her happiness was his goal, from bringing her coffee every morning to making sure she had a strong social circle because he seemed to sense he was going to leave her first. Mel?s children always felt his unconditional love and always knew he was proud of them, even when they made mistakes. He was never a bragger, always a humble man, but his children made him very proud, and they felt it. He was their friend who they updated about their days and their kids. He was their adviser and mentor who they asked for advice. He was tremendously devoted, sacrificed a lot for them, and never questioned his choices because his family was his priority. To his grandchildren, Mel was known as Pop, and he was a legend of a grandfather. Mel?s grandchildren gave him immense pride and joy. He was the best grandparent and an even better friend to them all. He attended their school and sporting events, took them all fishing, went on family vacations, signed cards with a smiley face in the O of Pop, but most of all he shared his epic stories, and they loved those shared moments. At early ages they started to roll their eyes, knowing they won't actually lose their hair if they don't eat their vegetables, and that his favorite red M&M's taste the same as the other colors, but they would listen with smiles, laughter, and love. Mel?s grandchildren all inherited his sense of humor and quick, sarcastic wit, and they were always ready to engage him with his stories. No matter the day or time, he replied to their texts, played the game they requested, listened to their day, drove them around, and let them know how each was so special in their own way. Mel loved Boston sports and was a dedicated fan and season ticket holder. He played tennis and was in too many softball leagues to count as a newlywed. He enjoyed fishing and golf as he got older. Fishing was something he did with Michael and Jennifer when they were children, and he was able to share that with his grandchildren as well, even though they would tease him about ?the one that got away.? Maine held a special place in Mel?s heart because he spent summers there with his family as a child. He continued that family tradition with his children and grandchildren, providing the material for many stories he told over and over again at family get-togethers. Mel was the foundation of his extended family. He was a man of tremendous integrity, loyalty, generosity of time and heart, unselfishness, and someone many leaned on and looked to for guidance. Mel will be so missed and remembered with love always by his devoted family and friends. At Mel?s request, there will be no services. His ashes will be spread by family at his beloved spot in Parker Head, Maine, and a celebration of life will be held next summer. Donations in his memory may be made to Lazarus House or Rotoplast International.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1948 - 2022 (74 years)
d. 16 Jul 1996, Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts