Mr. Basil Nicosia on August 19, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years of age.

Born in Rosenhayn, NJ, Basil was a longtime, well known resident of South Philadelphia; often known as "The Mayor" for all the people that he knew. An outgoing and very sociable guy, Basil was the type that helped everyone. Prior to retiring, he worked on homes, restoring and painting and had an innovative mind when it came to home design. Basil loved trying his luck with Craps at the casinos, spending time hanging with and having breakfast with the 16th & Ritner boys and spending time with his family.

He is the beloved husband of the late Dorothy (nee Maratea); devoted father of Lorraine Hedrick (Samuel) and Michael Nicosia; loving grandfather of Danielle, Stefanie (David, Sr.), Mary Ann and Marissa; and great-grandfather of David E., Jr. and Giovanni; dear brother of Louise Marchesani and Susan Forte; also survived by many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Wednesday, Aug. 23, 8:30-10:15 AM in the Vincent Gangemi Funeral Home, Inc., 2232-40 S. Broad St. (at Wolf), Philadelphia, PA. Funeral Mass 11AM Wednesday in Saint Monica’s Church, 17th & Ritner Streets, Philadelphia, PA. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse, 1800 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146.