Lawrence F. Bassett passed away peacefully on December 26th. He was 79. Larry was the devoted husband of Karen Choate Bassett for 27 years. Mr. Bassett taught English at Williamsport Area High School for 35 years. He was honored as the TEACHER of the YEAR in 1995. Larry was proudly known as the “VOICE of the MILLIONAIRES,” serving as the PA announcer for the major Williamsport sporting events for more than 25 seasons. Bassett’s distinctive baritone was a beloved hallmark. One AAAAANNND one. He was a staple.
Mr. Bassett and I were friends. He announced the games when I played. Larry was also on the microphone when I coached. He also gave my son a shout when he scored. I saw him at Wegmans or the farmer’s market on Saturdays. I would always go out of my way to say hello. I enjoyed catching up. Larry asked about my parents and my younger sister in California. He made me feel special. He was the best. Larry was a good-looking and interesting dude. My man was rocking Patagonia jackets and J.Crew sweaters before they were cool. Mr. Bassett had the gift of gab. I will remember his lengthy handshakes and his eye contact when he asked a question. Larry mentioned that he had read one of my stories. He would throw in a compliment, and that meant the world.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a teacher challenge me more than Mr. Bassett,” Peter Swift of Camp Susque said. “Any skill I have at written communication comes directly from writing in his class. We saw eye to eye on almost nothing, but he prepared me for the future. LGSPF continues to influence how I write, preach, and approach public speaking. He was fantastic.”
I never had him in the classroom. But many said he was an outstanding teacher. Tough and fair. A passionate lover of literature, Mr. Bassett was an avid reader, writer, poet, and editor. He took great pride in making his students better. Larry was the brains behind the award-winning “Cherry and White” literary magazine at Williamsport High. He wrote a novel, “Marjorie,” that can be found on Amazon. Larry also published numerous works of poetry. In his spare time, he enjoyed cross-country skiing, bicycling, and traveling.
“It was a sad day when I heard the news,” Tom Griffith mentioned. “Larry was my American Literature teacher when I was a junior. He was the best teacher I ever had. When I returned to WAHS after college, he became my friend. We had many conversations on politics, teaching, and life. I cherished those times. Larry was witty, well-spoken, and a great writer. This generation will never forget him. Fans from all over the Mid-Atlantic area would ask where he was and how he was doing. Many just wanted to share a special memory of Larry. I will miss and think of him every time I walk into the Magic Dome or STA Stadium.”
There are heroes, and there are legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Larry Bassett was a legend. He was 79. A great teacher and mentor to many. I, too, will miss his voice and our conversations. Mr. Bassett was outstanding. Cheers.
