Danny Ramon Basso

Danny Ramon Basso was born in Du Quoin, Illinois, on June 14, 1945, and passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022, with his family lovingly by his side. After a heroic battle and victory over a rare form of cancer, it was respiratory failure due to Covid pneumonia that took our beloved Dan to be with the Lord.

Dan grew up in the small town of Sesser, Illinois, the son of hardworking parents who were centered in their Catholic faith. His father, a musician and traveling encyclopedia salesman supported the family, while his mother, with the help of her Italian immigrant mother, tended to their two boys. Above all else, their family most cherished their time together which included long meals, spirited conversation and musical “jam” sessions. His older brother Dave was his closest confidant, and the two of them shared an inseparable bond.

Dan graduated from Sesser-Valier High School in 1963 and went on to attend the University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Upon graduating, he was recruited to work for a defense contractor, which brought him to Dallas, Texas. Prior to moving, Dan reconnected with high school friend Cathy Quillman and a long-distance romance ensued. The two were married on October 24, 1968 and Cathy moved to Texas. They started their family in 1969 with daughter Andrea and then son Frankie in 1971.

It was in ’71 that Dan went to work at the Federal Reserve Bank, where he was first exposed to the emerging world of information systems. From there he took a job as a systems programmer at Frito Lay and quickly ascended up the ranks. He was offered a promotion that required him to uproot his family and move to New York. Dan always lived and professed his priorities in life; Faith, then family and lastly work. He declined the promotion, convinced two of his employees to go with him and, in 1981, he founded Systemware.

If Dan was going to build a company, it was going to be an extension of his family. That remains true to this day and at Systemware, Dan’s presence will always be felt. From the day he started Systemware, Dan felt he never worked a day in his life because he loved what he did, and he loved the people with whom he worked. His most gratifying moments were when his son, son-in-law and nephew chose to work alongside the man they admired. He worked hard and expected a lot out of those around him. Creating a company culture that exemplified Dan’s beliefs was his top priority from the inception of Systemware. His formula was simple and he instilled it in everyone around him, “do what’s right and always do what you say you are going to do.” Over the years Dan served as mentor, and even father figure, to many at Systemware and beyond. He was unashamed to show his sincere love for people and the outward expression of feelings. His big hugs will be missed by countless people who looked forward to being on the receiving end of that healing embrace.

Having a faith-centered family was always the top priority for Dan and Cathy. They worshipped and raised their children in the community of All Saints Catholic Church. At All Saints, they formed many special relationships with their fellow parishioners and church clergy. They were actively involved in a family-centric Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). The families in that community along with the clergy, became their dearest friends and remain so to this day.

Dan had many passions outside of Systemware, which some would consider to be work. He enjoyed wood working, building things and fixing anything that was broken. The workshop/woodshop was his domain, and the family lake house is where he most liked spending time away from the office. For most people, the lake is a place to relax, for Dan it was a place with endless opportunities for the next project. He was a carpenter, furniture builder, mechanic and general handyman. As his kids and grandkids grew older and the lake house visitor list grew, so did the number of toys and opportunities to fix things. He was in heaven. Nothing gave him greater joy than working on any project alongside his son and ultimately grandchildren, passing down his years’ worth of knowledge.

Above all else, Dan cherished and adored his family, and they adored him even more. His wife, Cathy was his soulmate and their love for one another grew stronger each day. He was known as Dad, Daddy, Pappa, Uncle Dan, Dan and Mr. B. He considered his two children his greatest accomplishments and could often be heard bragging about them. He spent their early years coaching their sports teams and attending whatever needed to be attended. He loved getting to know their many friends, many of whom he loved as he did his own children. This included Frankie’s unassuming high school teammate, Scott Turner, who eventually became a part of the family. Dan remained close to all of his children’s friends until the end of his life. He was Pappa to his six loving grandchildren and they each had a special bond with him. He spent countless hours and energy spoiling Pockeydoodle, Jon Jon, Em, Owie, Whittie and Drewbie each in their own unique way. Dan and Cathy never missed a birthday party, game, performance or awards banquet. He planned annual family adventures to remote locations and those countless family memories will be held dear forever.

Many have come before him, but we have never lost one like Danny Basso. A boy from a town of 1,800 who beat the odds and found success in a big world by being centered in his Faith. He loved Christ, family, and he loved people deeply, and they all loved him in return. He didn’t just believe that love could conquer all, his selfless actions proved it every day. Everyone lucky enough to have known Dan is better for it, he had a heart of gold that will be dearly missed. He treasured his family and extended family above all else. He did life right and we are blessed to have had him.

The outpouring of love that his family has received from those who knew Dan has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated, your hugs are felt. He will be deeply and forever missed, but fondly remembered by everyone whom he touched throughout his inspiring time on this earth.

Dan is survived by his wife Cathy of over 53 years and their children, Andrea Denheyer and husband Ron, Frankie Basso and wife Heather; grandchildren Madeleine Basso, Jonathan Denheyer, Emma Denheyer, Owen Basso, Whit Basso, and Drew Denheyer; his brother Dave Basso and wife Dianne, and their children and grandchildren; and many other special relatives. Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Elda Garbiero, and his father, Frank Basso.

His family is eternally grateful for the amazing nursing staff of BUMC Roberts 12. May God bless each one of them and continue to give them strength.

Services are scheduled for Monday, March 21, 2022 at 2 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 5231 Meadowcreek Dr. Dallas, TX 75248.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any honorariums be made to the Community Engagement and Opportunity Council (CEOC) or Holy Trinity Catholic Seminary.