Barbara Ann Basso

Barbara Ann Basso, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on May 15, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York, Barbara was the daughter of Frank and Vivian Milea (née Moleti). She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Frank S. Milea Jr.

Barbara met her beloved husband, Dr. Sabino “Sam” Basso, at a formal at St. John’s College of Pharmacy. After an evening of dancing, Sam escorted her home by train to Brooklyn. They were married on February 13, 1960, at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn, New York.

Together, Barbara and Sam had a long, loving marriage of 66 years and built the family of their dreams. Their six children were her greatest source of joy: Elisa Milea and her husband Louis, Peter Basso and his wife Lorraine, Nicholas Basso and his wife Beatriz, Barbara Basso, and the late Christopher Basso and his widow Denise, and Sabino Basso Jr. As her children grew, Barbara embraced the next chapter of her life with equal devotion and happiness, becoming “Nanny” to her beloved grandchildren: Frank Milea, Andrew Milea and his wife, Shreya, Peter Basso and his wife, Cydney, Jessica Basso, Mary Milea, Sabino Basso III, Dominick Basso, Jude Gmiterek, Simona Basso, Luke Gmiterek, Leo Basso, and Nico Basso.

Barbara and Sam traveled throughout the United States and internationally, creating countless memories together. Summers were spent at the beach in Bay Shore, Long Island, where they enjoyed time with family and friends at the Brightwaters Beach Club. In 1972, they purchased a home in Otisville, New York, and joined the Redwood Tennis and Swim Club. There, Barbara’s lifelong passion for tennis flourished. She continued playing well into her eighties before taking up golf and becoming quite accomplished at that as well.

The Otisville home was a gathering place for the entire family. Summers were filled with tennis, swimming, and relaxation, while winters brought ice skating, ice fishing, family hockey games, and toboggan rides across the property and onto the pond. These adventures were often followed by hot chocolate beside the fireplace—simple moments that became treasured memories.

Barbara was a resilient woman with an indomitable spirit and a competitive nature. Her passions included tennis, gardening, theater, travel, and music. There was always music playing in her home, especially the songs of Barbra Streisand, Jane Olivor, Barry Manilow, and Neil Diamond.

A woman of deep faith, Barbara was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn and later found a spiritual home at St. Dominic’s Church in Brooklyn.

Barbara’s greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely to her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.