Robert Charles Basché

Bob Basché, longtime sports executive and former resident of West Norwalk died at 80 on August 5, 2024 at the West Haven VA Medical Center in West Haven, CT.  

Bob leaves his wife of 37 years, Susan Reed Basché, son Alex, grandchildren Steven and Natalie Williams, brother Tony Basché, nieces Andrea (Luke) Devereux, Danielle (Joe) Calo, nephew John (Lynne) Basché and their children. He was predeceased by his father, Robert F. Basché, mother Vivian Anderson and sister-in-law Roberta (Bobbie) Basché.

Basché was born in Chicago on May 27, 1944 and grew up in Deerfield, Illinois. He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, majoring  in Communications Arts and was part of a wildly popular rock & roll group called The Nightlighters. Upon graduation in 1966 he joined the US Navy and was accepted in the Officers Candidate School in Newport. An ensign, he was stationed in Pearl Harbor aboard the destroyer USS Haverfield and deployed to Vietnam.  His highest rank was Lieutenant.

Basché began his sports career as communications director for the Virginia Slims Tennis Tour, the LPGA and ATP tours before landing a job at NBC Sports. He was head of on-air talent and promotion and associate producer of Wimbledon. He won three Emmy Awards and made history when he coined the phrase “Breakfast at Wimbledon” for the early morning live broadcasts of the Men’s Finals. He left NBC to co-found Millsport, a sports marketing agency that was sold after 25 successful years. He was president of Connect Sports & Entertainment until he retired.  

He had a strong connection to Newport that began at the Naval Academy.  He married and owned a home there, was a member of the New York Yacht Club and the Tennis Hall of Fame and finally, project leader of the America’s Cup Event.   A lover and inveterate collector of sports memorabilia, Basché generously donated an original Wimbledon Bench from his collection to the Tennis Hall of Fame Museum where it is prominently displayed. .

Bob and Susan lived in a classic old farmhouse in CT with their son Alex and a succession of yellow Labs. Each Thanksgiving, family and friends eagerly gathered for Bob’s flag football game he dubbed the “Turkey Bowl.”  He loved all things nautical and loved being on the water, so his second career selling boats was a perfect fit. He was happiest at the helm of his 34-ft. downeast boat, Wild Duck, enroute to beloved Block Island.   

Never one to remain idle, in retirement Bob continued his selfless service and dedication to his fellow veterans by volunteering at the West Haven VA for the past 4 years, with over 600 volunteer hours. He found it so rewarding that he decided to come back into the workforce at 80 years old as an information receptionist at the front desk. He was loved by all, brought the utmost positive attitude, largest helping hand and the brightest smile to the main lobby every day.” 

Written by Rhiannon Oakes, Voluntary Service Specialist at the West Haven VA, in memory of Bob Basché.

Affectionately known as Bash, he will be remembered for his magnetic, charismatic personality, his passion for ND football, classic cars and classic boats and his lifelong friendships.  At the time of his passing, Bob lived with his wife and son in West Haven CT, happily a stone’s throw from the water. 

The family would like to thank the cardiology and oncology staff at the West Haven VA Hospital for providing excellent and compassionate care throughout.

Inurnment with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, October 29th at 1 o'clock at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. There will be a celebration of Bob’s life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to Volunteer Services, c/o VA Hospital, 950 Campbell Ave. West Haven CT 06516.

(photo credit:  Bruce Plotkin)

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