Louis Ned Basso

Louis Ned Basso, of Torrington, CT, passed away on May 28, 2025, in the loving presence of his family, after a courageous four-year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 69 years old.
Born on February 5, 1956, in Torrington, Louis was the beloved son of the late Lillian (Kulbarsh) and Louis Ned Basso, Sr. An alumnus of Torrington High School, Class of 1974, he graduated from the Paier School of Art and enjoyed a long career as an architectural designer and project manager. But Louie, as he was affectionately known, was never defined by his career. He was defined by his love, especially for his family.
He was the devoted husband of Diane “Dede” (Lenart) Basso, the Basso family’s undisputed queen of crafts and DIY projects. Dede knew Louie was the one when she discovered his toolbox was even bigger than hers! Together, they built a beautiful life full of creativity, love, laughter, and warmth. They shared a beloved little sanctuary camp in Maine, where they celebrated anniversaries, holidays, and countless bonfires. He especially loved it when his nephews joined him, mostly because they could fetch firewood to stoke the bonfire and also bring him the occasional cold beer.
Louie’s sense of humor was legendary—he had a wildly contagious laugh as big as all outdoors. He was outspoken, passionate, and fiercely loyal, never missing a chance to offer one of his famous bear hugs to those he loved. He shared an unbreakable bond with his sisters, Laura and Louise, with whom he spoke nearly every day, trading laughs, love, and political diatribes. His brother, Larry, was his best friend, concert buddy, and daily confidante. The two idolized one another, with a relationship rooted in music, mischief, and deep brotherly devotion. Louie lovingly dubbed Larry “The Tour Guide” because he never passed up a road he hadn’t yet explored.
Louie was an extraordinary uncle and godfather, teaching the younger generation the importance of music, family, and the value of showing up for one another. He was a true child of the 70"s, slightly rebellious, always fearless, and totally original.
Predeceased by his parents, Louis and Lillian, his brother-in-law Derward Sanford, his mother-in-law, Marie Lenart, and his sister-in-law Annette Lenart. He leaves behind his wife Diane, his cherished dog Lily (a nine-pound terrier, tiny but mighty with love), his sisters Laura Sanford and Louise Basso (Bill Scaia), his brother Larry Basso (Luci Jamison), nephews Nicolas and Dean Basso, niece Julia Sanford Taylor (Jason), along with his sisters-in law Valerie Lenart and Audrey Spielman (Chuck), nephews and nieces, Mitchell Lenart (Jaimie), Dr. Andrew Spielman, Julia
Spielman, Kayla Lenart, and an abundance of cherished friends and family. He leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of all who knew him—and more than enough memories, laughter, and love to last lifetimes. In Louie’s own words: Kinder. Gentler. Love each other.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Avenue, Torrington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, at St. Peter Church, Saint John Paul the Great Parish, 99 East Main Street, Torrington. Burial will immediately follow at New Saint Francis
Cemetery, 863 South Main Street, Torrington.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation info@leukemiarf.org

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