Cumberland Times-News - LAVALE — R. Donald "Meatball" Basilio, 80, of LaVale, died on Thursday, Dec. 15,2005, at the WMHS Sacred Heart Campus Hospital surrounded by his family. Born June 29, 1925, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Romeo Basilio and Delcie Mae (King) Basilio. Mr. Basilio was also preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Lee (Sittig) Basilio, Dec. 11, 1998; and a sister, Wanda Lee Aman. Don was owner/operator of Don's T.V. Store. He was an Allegany High School graduate, Class of 1943. Don was a United States Army/Air Corps Veteran having received the following medals: The Good Conduct Medal; the Air Medal American Theatre Service Ribbon; the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service; the Distinguished Flying Cross; and, the World War II Victory Ribbon. After World War II, Don attended Potomac State College and received a bachelor of arts degree from West Virginia Tech. Don was a member of the Henry Hart Post 1411 V.F.W., and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 245. Don lived everyday to the fullest and always said, "life is short, play hard." His easy going nature, zest for life, and sense of adventure was reflected in his many activities and friends of all ages. Don took great pleasure in spending time with his family, close friends, and his "river family" at his camp on Blue Beach. He enjoyed snowmobiling, playing basketball, and dancing. Don will be sadly missed by all. Don is survived by his daughters, Vicki A. Brashears and her husband Leon, Eckhart, Terri L. Niemeyer and her husband Kevin, Short Gap, W.Va., and Kelly L. Browning and her husband Steve, LaVale; and a brother, Gene Basilio and his wife, Bobbi, Cumberland. Also surviving Don are his grandchildren, Travis Brashears, Eckhart, Thomas Niemeyer and his wife Linda, Mechanicsville, Kati Niemeyer, Short Gap, W.Va., Ryan Browning and Caleb Browning, both of LaVale; as well as his great-grandchildren, O'Ryan, Ian, and Erin Niemeyer. Friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur St., Cumberland, (http://www.adamsfamilyfuneralhome.com) on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 19,2005, from 3 to 4 p.m. Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Combined Veterans Honor Guard. A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Monday, Dec. 19,2005, at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Mickey H. Stephens officiating. A private interment will be held in Sunset Memorial Park. The family requests that memorials be made to the charily of their choice. He was buried on 19 Dec 2005 in Sunset Memorial Park, Cumberland, Allegany Co., Maryland.

Change: 12 Feb 2010