Joseph Michael Base, Jr, 99 years of age, passed away on June 26, 2023 following a brief acute illness, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was born on April 22, 1924 in Philadelphia and raised in Colwyn, Pennsylvania.  Joe was predeceased by his parents Joseph Michael and Sarah Rose (Ehrmann) Base, his sisters and brothers-in-law Marie (Carl) Gratz and Jane (Harold) Moyer, his son Joseph Michael (Diane) Base III, and Great Granddaughter Maren Kaniewski.

Although raised during the depression, he had the best memories of his childhood, “We were all in the same boat and only one buddy had the basketball.”  After graduating from Sharon Hill High School, Joe joined the U.S. Navy on 8/29/42 and entered the submarine service, serving during World War ll, primarily operating in the Pacific out of Fremantle, Australia as Quartermaster First Class on the USS Redfin 272. He further served on the USS Howard W. Gilmore, the USS Requin, and the USS Sirago.  He was honorably discharged in 1948.  There is an interview of his life in the National Archives.

Following his Navy service, he joined Philadelphia Electric Co. as a lineman.  He served the company as a First Class Lineman, Electric Troubleman, Construction Detailer and Clerical Supervisor of Electric Transmission and Distribution, retiring after 41 years of service.  He also installed storm windows and sold real estate part-time and was extremely handy around the house. Joe always said that he loved every job he had!

Joseph is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carol Cunningham Base, with whom a mutual devotion was shared. He adored his children Susan (the late Richard) Kaniewski, Karen (Samuel) Steinberg, Kevin (James Cavacini) Base, and James Base. He was a loving grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren as well as 9 nieces and nephews.

After moving to Houston in 2001, Joe stayed active delivering Meals on Wheels in the Houston Bay Area and playing golf (“I play golf, I’m not a golfer!”) at Bay Oaks Country Club with the Bay Oaks Old Boys Society (who affectionately called themselves the BOOBS). He enjoyed sharing jokes and laughs in the Clubhouse at the “19th Hole”. His friends and family remember him for his sense of humor and kindness.

There will be a visitation on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Center Blvd., Webster, Texas. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 10 am at Saint Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, 18300 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay (Houston), Texas 77058. On Saturday, July 22, 2023, there will be another celebration of Joseph’s life at 11 am at St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley, 2475 St. Peter’s Road, Malvern, PA 19355.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Joseph’s memory may do so to Meals on Wheels of the Bay Area, 14045 Space Center Blvd, Houston, Texas 77062; the Assistance League of the Bay Area, 100 E. Nasa Parkway, Suite 80, Webster, Texas 77598; St. Thomas the Apostle Church (see above); St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley (see above); or the Charity of choice.

The burial service will be private.