Basil A. Rich Jr.

COPENHAGEN/WATERTOWN- Basil A. Rich Jr., 77, formerly of Copenhagen and Watertown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, April 17, 2024 at Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility, Lowville with his family at his side.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Tina (Carey) Koster of Lowville, Robert Rich of Evans Mills, Scott Rich and Jacqueline Corbett of Syracuse; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Mary Becraft of Chaumont; a niece, two nephews and cousins.  He is predeceased by his brother, Harry Rich; a daughter-in-law, Alesa Rich; a great-granddaughter, Luna Marie Brouty.

Basil was born on November 26, 1946 in Oneida, NY, son of the late Basil A. Rich Sr. and Dorothy Walters Rich.  He attended school in Oneida and volunteered to be drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving from 1965-1967.  After his service he returned to Oneida.  On July 22, 1967 he married Lela Becraft in Oneida, moving to Brownville, NY shortly thereafter.  Basil worked for Brownville Paper Mill before going to work for St. Regis Paper Mill, later named Champion International for over 30 years, retiring when the mill closed.  Basil and his wife, Lela retired to Florida where they loved the warm weather.  Basil also was a tractor trailer driver for many years.  After his wife Lela passed away in 2003, he relocated back to New York.  He married Mary Louise Seippel on July 24, 2019 in Warren Ohio.  The couple resided in Ohio from 2019-2022.  Mary passed away on August 31, 2023. 

Basil attended River of Life Fellowship in Copenhagen and loved his church family.  Fishing and hunting were his favorite pastimes.  He loved motorcycling and traveling with his family, family gatherings, being around his family and his cat Tigger.  Most of all, he enjoyed the time he would spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Basil’s family and church family would like to welcome everyone to a meal to be held on Saturday April 27, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at River of Life Fellowship, Copenhagen.  A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor George Gray officiating.  There will be no calling hours. Burial with Military Honors will be held privately in Dexter Cemetery at the convenience of the  family.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to River of Life Fellowship, 9871 Number Three Road, Copenhagen, NY 13626. 

Basil’s family would like to send a special thank you to the staff of Lewis County Health System Hospital and Nursing Home for the amazing job and loving care and kindness shown to him during his stay.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome,com

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