Thaddeus S. Basara

BASARA, THADDEUS S., “Ted,” age 75, of Secane, Pennsylvania, on February 8, 2014 following his 16 week journey with Peritoneal Cancer. Born to the late Stephen and Genevieve (Skarbek) Basara on July 13, 1938. Raised by his loving Uncle and Aunt, the late Alexander and Bertha Skowronski with cousins William, Helen Long, Paul and Irene Mulligan. Thaddeus attended St. Josaphat Grade School and Roman Catholic High School before entering St. Charles Seminary in 1954. He was a member of the Ordination Class of 1964. Thaddeus spent 5 years in the mission serving the parishes of Our Lady of Czestochowa; St. Hedwig in Chester; St. Josaphat; Sacred Heart in Clifton Heights; and 1 year as Professor of Theology at Cardinal O’Hara High School. Thaddeus continued his teaching career at Darby-Colwyn High School from 1970 through 1982 with Science, Oceanography, Astronomy and Latin as his main subjects. Following a merger with Darby-Colwyn in 1982, he continued his career at Penn Wood High School in Lansdowne until 1998 when he retired. He received many awards during his career. He was a finalist for the AT&T Teacher Award in 1993 and received the Delaware County Science Teacher Engineering Award in 1995 as well as the Five County Engineering Award that same year. Thaddeus was an adjunct professor in the evening division for Manor College, Gwynedd-Mercy College and Delaware Community College for a total of 22 years teaching Biology, Astronomy and Philosophy. Continuing his own education he received his Masters from Villanova University in 1976. Thaddeus was a simple man whom everyone loved the minute they met him. His faith played a significant role in his life with special devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and Blessed John Paul II. He was a cantor and lector at St. Eugene Church for many years. Anything he chose to accomplish, he saw to completion. He was a man of his word and he could not be compromised. Thaddeus spent time on all 7 continents. He successfully climbed the pyramids, Mt. Fuji and most close to his heart, the Base Camp of Mt. Everest. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, skier, scuba diver and poker player. He never turned down a request for help whether spiritual or material. Surviving are his spouse, Judy (Belcak) Basara of 373 months (31 years and they toasted to life every month), numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and family members, friends and his godchildren, Carolann Moosburner, Katie Rightley, Amy Palumbo, Kara Naklicki, George Garber and the late Mabel Weldon. Please lift a glass today to toast his life and God’s journey for you! Clergy, religious, family, extended family and friends are asked to join in his Celebration of Life. Viewing Saturday, 9:30 am to 11:00 am at St. Eugene Roman Catholic Church, 200 S. Oak Avenue, Primos, Pennsylvania followed by Mass of Christian Burial. Interment at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Thaddeus’ memory are requested to St. Charles Seminary, Attention: Education/Present and Future Seminarians, 100 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA .

Thaddeus S. Basara

July 13, 1938 - February 8, 2014