Joseph (Joe) Anthony Baske has passed away at the age of 56. Joe grew up in Weston, CT and obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut. He was currently pursuing his doctorate at ULM.
Joe was a social studies teacher for 27 years at Greenwich High School. Many would describe him as the heart and soul of the building. His smile, laughter, and love of life infiltrated the halls and classrooms.
In addition to teaching, Joe presented workshops focused on how to facilitate resilience and engagement in the resistant learner by cultivating gratitude, compassion, and pride. This was his passion project.
It was at GHS that Joe met his wife of 22 years, Michelle. Joe proposed within 10 months of dating and they were married a few short months later. Their love, respect, and appreciation of one another ran strong and was felt by all that knew them. Joe always prioritized Michelle’s well-being and happiness above all else.
Together they had two children, Joseph and Genevieve. Joe would say being a dad was the greatest gift ever bestowed upon him. As a dad, he was committed to teaching social responsibility, with a generous side of goofiness. At the end of each day he would tell them, “I love you forever and I’m glad you’re my son/daughter.”
Beyond his passion for family and teaching, Joe loved playing basketball, held an unwavering belief in the New York Knicks and had an unexpected love of rap music.
He also had a love for classic cars. It’s bittersweet that he died from multiple blood clots in his lungs while attending a car show.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph E. Baske and Mary C. Baske. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his children, Joseph and Genevieve; his brother, John (Whitney) Baske; his sister, Michele Baske; his in-laws, William and Nancy Grella; his sister-in-law, Erica (Peter) Angelopoulos; his nieces and nephew, Emma Baske (Jeremy) Woods, Meghan Baske, Johnny Angelopoulos, and Antonia Angelopoulos; and his best friend/brother, Kenric Gubner.
Calling hours for Joe will be held Monday, April 21, 2025 from 3:00 – 8:00pm at Cognetta Funeral home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT.
A mass of Christian burial will occur Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10:30am at St. Maurice Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT.
A burial will follow at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery in New Milford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made “In Memory of Joe Baske” to the Greenwich Scholarship Association, PO Box 4627, Greenwich, CT 06831.