(2005)
- This fund was created in conjunction with Melvin and Lillian Bassi being
chosen as the 2005 Philanthropists of the Year. In their
local philanthropy, Mr. and Mrs. Bassi have been particularly supportive of
higher education, community wellness, care for the under-privileged, and
spiritual fulfillment.
Lillian Majoros Bassi has spent a lifetime dedicated to education. Having graduated from Bentleyville High School and California University of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Bassi began her teaching career in the California School District in 1948. She retired to raise her family in 1954 but could not resist the call of the classroom and taught several more years in the Monongahela system where she was the recipient of the Teacher of the Year award prior to her permanent retirement in 1964. Mrs. Bassi continues to be actively involved in education especially through her involvement with California University, where she recently was honored with its first Core Values Award for integrity, civility and responsibility, named in her honor. Mrs. Bassi is a Charter Member of Foundation for California University and is active in the Charleroi Athene Club and the Monongahela Women's Club.
Melvin B. Bassi graduated from Charleroi High School , Washington and Jefferson College, and the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the U.S. Navy, Pacific Theatre during World War II. Mr. Bassi began his law career as a sole practitioner in Washington County, and currently is a senior partner of Bassi, McCune and Vreeland, with offices in Charleroi and Washington. He also served as President of the Board of Directors of Charleroi Federal Savings Bank from 1963 to 2000 where he currently is the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Bassi also served on the Washington County Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 1996. Awards he has received include Washington & Jefferson College Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Mon Valley YMCA Mind, Body, and Spirit Award, and the University of Pittsburgh's Golden Panther Award. In 1999 he was inducted into the Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame and most recently into the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers Hall of Fame. Mr. Bassi has been active with many professional groups including the Washington County Bar Association, serving as its president in 1974. Community organizations with which he has been involved include Rotary Club of Charleroi, Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Mon Valley YMCA, and Washington & Jefferson College.
Melvin and Lillian Bassi were married in 1949 and live in Monongahela, PA. They have four grown sons, Bradley, Keith, Neil, and Mitchell, and eight grandchildren.
Click here for a list of grants awarded from this fund.