Obituary of Basil L. Stiles

CANISTEO: Basil L. Stiles, 87, formerly of Dunning Rd. passed away Sunday afternoon, September 8, 2019 at Wellsville Manor after an extended illness.

Basil was born June 22, 1932 in Canisteo, to the late Glenn and Agnes (Binkey) Stiles. On February 12, 1972 he married the former Lois Stonebrook -Tucker who survives and resides in Wellsville.

Basil was a veteran of the U.S Marine Corp. serving our country proudly from 1952 to 1960. After his military duties he worked as a carman in repairs for the Erie/Lackawana and Conrail railroads out of Hornell, for 23 years and had also worked at the former G.E. Plant in Hornell and Alstom as a welder.

Basil was an avid gardener and cook known for his homemade meatballs, sauerkraut, and braided garlic. He was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. Basil’s greatest enjoyment came from his sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends and neighbors, hosting numerous seasonal cookouts.  All his children and grandchildren were precious to him.   

In addition to his wife Lois, Basil is survived by three daughters: Kathy (Gregory) Rollins of Hornell, Karen (Daniel) Schu of Arkport, Mary (Larry) Brasher of Florida, two sons: David (Mercedes) Stiles of Texas and Michael (Teasha) Stiles of Hornell and their brother Richard (Brenda) Hawkins of Texas. Three step-children: Beverly (Duane) Bruce of Calif., Lynn (Cynthia) Tucker of Swain and Gary (Susan) Tucker of Texas. One sister Kay McKibben of North Hornell, 24 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister Doris Ordway, step-grandson Aaron Tucker and a step-granddaughter Rose Tucker.

Family and friends are invited to a short graveside service with military honors, Monday, September 16 at 10:00 am at the Canaseraga Cemetery. Family and friends are also invited to calling hours from 2-4 pm Saturday, October 5, at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo with a memorial service immediately following calling hrs. at 4:00 pm. A reception will follow at the Canisteo Fire Dept. at 14 South Main Street.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Canisteo Fire Dept., c/o Mike Wilson, 14 South Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823.