Josephine M. (Selvaggio) Bassi, 91, Worked for City, Schools

josephine_bassiJosephine M. (Selvaggio) Bassi, 91, of Haverhill, wife of the late Hector Bassi, passed away July 13, at High Pointe Hospice in Haverhill surrounded by her family.

Born in Haverhill, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Angelina (Adzarito) Selvaggio. Raised and educated in Haverhill, she was a graduate of Haverhill High School, class of 1943. After graduation she attended McIntosh’s Business School in Haverhill, graduating with the class of 1944. Bassi was a young widow, losing her husband in 1965. She worked hard to provide for and raise her family. She was employed by the City of Haverhill, working at City Hall and with the City of Haverhill School System in the Home Start Program for many years. In her later years she worked as a home health aide well into her 70s. She served as a volunteer in local nursing homes for the Friendly Visitors Program. She enjoyed cooking, baking, music–particularly opera– and day trips to the beach.

Bassi is survived by her two sons, Ernest A. Bassi of Haverhill and James H. Bassi of New York City; sister, Victoria Hammond of Haverhill; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother Vito Selvaggio.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours Sunday, July 16, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services are Monday, July 17, aa a.m., at the funeral home. Burial follows in Linwood Cemetery, John Ward Avenue, Haverhill.