Basil Anthony Andreacchi

Basil was born in Manhattan, a borough of New York City on July 7, 1934. He lived in Manhattan until his teen years when he relocated to Rochester, New York. Basil graduated from Madison High School in 1952, where he also met his future wife, Marjorie Ann Grippo.

Basil and Marjorie were married on November 28, 1953 in Rochester, New York. They later moved to Scottsville, New York, a suburb of Rochester. It was there where they raised 5 children. Basil was actively involved in community life as a Building Inspector, a member of the Wheatland-Chili School Board, a Little League coach, and a girl’s softball coach.

Basil was a hard-working man who had many jobs, including auto sales, welding, pipe-fitting and steam-fitting. Before a life-changing accident that resulted in his move to Arizona, he also ran his own construction-remodeling business. He was a member of Local Union 469 in Phoenix, Arizona, and worked on the original construction of the Palo Verde Power Plant in Tonopah and the Intel Plant in Chandler. Basil was the ultimate handy man who could fix or build anything. He had a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, not only in the building trades, where he taught math to fellow union members, but also in the fields of engineering, science, history, and finance.

For many years Basil was an active parishioner at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, including membership in several ministries. He served on the parish financial committee, was a member, and President, of St. Helen’s Holy Name Society. Basil was an usher on Sundays and greeted people who were coming to mass, especially families with children in tow to whom he gifted Family Prayer cards. He was instrumental in starting the Prayer Shawl Ministry at the church, after receiving a prayer shawl during one of his illnesses. He also worked Friday Night Bingo, and enjoyed interacting with the crew and the players.

Basil had a strong sense of social justice and worked with humanitarian ministries to bring clean water to those in Africa who had no reliable means of getting that resource. His ‘brothers’ in the Holy Name Society were supportive of Basil’s desire to help others in need. He was always willing to recruit contributors, including family members, into these water projects.

For fun, Basil enjoyed watching horse racing, playing poker, Sudoku and word puzzles. Staying true to his New York roots, he cheered on the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. Basil also enjoyed getting together with family and friends. In his younger years, he spent time swimming, fishing, camping, and hunting. Basil looked forward to family vacations, going on cruises and relaxing in his favorite chair.

Basil is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marjorie Grippo Andreacchi. He was a loving dad to his children: Susan Andreacchi-Spreitzer, Debra Andreacchi-Roth (John), Marjorie Andreacchi-Keagle, Mary Andreacchi-Roberts, and Anthony Andreacchi (Kathleen). He was Papa to his eight grandchildren, including David Roth (Cydney), Daniel Keagle, Emily Budrick (Todd), Michael Basil Roberts, Kelly Andreacchi, Adam Spreitzer, Aidan Roberts, and Ashley Andreacchi. He also had 2 beautiful great grandchildren: Trent and Eliana Budrick. He was part of large extended family with members from the east coast to the west coast.

Basil is predeceased by his parents, Basil Louis and Josephine Andreacchi, his sisters: Camille Megna and Beatrice Montante, and other beloved family members.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10am on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at St Helen's Catholic Church 5510 W. Cholla Street, Glendale, Az 85304

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Basil’s memory to St. Mary’s Food Bank (P.O. Box 29449, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9449) would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheChimesMortuary.com for the Andreacchi family.