Sylvester Bass, Sr.
March 29, 1932 - March 31, 2025
Sylvester Bass, Sr., age 93, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Born in Durham, NC, on March 29, 1932, he was a son of the late Luke and Minnie (Patterson) Bass. Sylvester proudly served in the United States Air Force. He made his career as a motorman for New York City Transit. He graduated from New York City Community College with an associates in applied Arts and Sciences. He prepared taxes for over 50 years in New York City and Delaware. He retired as local school bus driver making children smile every day.
Sylvester was an outstanding brother in the Nation of Islam and a Freemason. He was a boy-scout leader as well as a deacon. He bowled on a community team and won many awards. He loved helping his wife in her garden and sitting on their deck together. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and community leader to young boys and men.
In addition to his parents, Sylvester was preceded in death by 7 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Addie J. (Malloy) Bass; children, Sylvester Bass, Jr. (Mary), Stephanie Bass, Ishmael Bass (Lalita), Saladin Bass, Illyas Bass I, and Nequete Collins (Chuckey); 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sylvester’s memory to Addie Bass to help offset funeral expenses. Please make checks payable to Addie Bass and mail to 470 West Harvest Lane, Middletown, DE 19709.
Kendra white fowler
Sending my love and prayers to your family in the time of sorrow. Mr. Bass was Avery joyful and pleasant man to be around. He always had a smile and made you feel like he knew you your whole life. He will be deeply missed. Love John and Kendra White-Fowler
Moises Jamale Walden
My condolences to the family Bro Bass travel safe
Sister Sheila Grant
May he forever rest in peace!
Sharon Starnes & Family
Sending sincere condolences, hugs and prayers to the Bass Family. We knew the Bass’s through my sister Tracey Pirri. They were the most wonderful neighbors to her and intern our families knew shared in happiness and sorrows. They were married one year short of our parents and that proves L♥️VE endures ALL things. Thank you Mr. Bass for your service to our country and community. Praying for continued Strength and Healing for your wife Mrs. Bass♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Denyne Carter
My condolences to the Bass family. it is never, ever easy losing a family member. Again my deepest condolences from the Shaw/Carter family to your family. Continued prayers to the Bass family, and to Mrs Bass’s health, strength and recovery. Stay Blessed.
Paula Ximines
With most heartfelt sympathy to the Bass family. Our hearts go out to you’ll during this difficult time. Mr. Bass was a truly exceptional man, whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. His presence will leave an irreplaceable void, but his memory will forever remain a cherished part of our hearts. During this difficult time, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Mrs. Bass, we are thinking of you and sending our love and support. May the beautiful memories you shared together bring you some comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
The Ximines Family
Floyd E Fowlkes
My deepest sympathies to the Bass family from my family. A family that I have known for over 60 years. R.I.P. Mr Bass 🙏🏽 🙏🏽
Marilyn Bell
I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE BASS FAMILY. MAY GOD COVER AND LAY HIS HEALING HANDS ON THE FAMILY. FROM THE BELL FAMILY IN NEW YORK.
Elder Dr. Doris Shackelford of St Luke Cathedral, Laurelton, NY
With deepest sympathy, I post this message. God knows, He cares and He will make the family strong! St. Luke Cathedral and the entire Laurelton community will be lifting the Bass family up in prayer.
Wendy
My condolences. Sister Wendy 2x Kornegay
Cokie
My Deepest Condolences to the Bass Family .
Myer P White
I extend my deepest condolences to the Bass family, I am completely speechless at this moment. Brother Bass will truly be missed
Dee
I send my condolences to my dearest friend Illyas and family. I pray God’s comfort for him and family at this time of lost.
Neal Bell
My condolences to your family 🙏
Michelle Hicks & Family
To the Bass Family
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr.Bass. Over the 17 years we shared as neighbors, I came to know him as a kind & humorous soul who always had a way of brightening up the day. Whether it was a joke or just a friendly chat on the block or anywhere around our town.
Mr. Bass’s warmth & generosity made our neighborhood a better place.
He will be missed more than words can express. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared and in knowing that his spirit touched so many of us.
With deepest sympathy,
Michelle Hicks & Family ❤️
Mercedes C. Bass
My Deepest Condolences to the Bass Fanily!! Mother Addies Bass- I am here for you always!
In Loving Memory of My Father In Law- Sylvester
For 37 years, I had the honor of being your daughter-in-law, a title I wore proudly. You were more than family, you were a steady light in our lives. A wonderful father-in-law, and an extraordinary grandfather to Illyas Bass II, lovingly known as Mack. Thank you for being Mack’s hero, his friend, and his guiding example of what it means to be a man of strength, grace, and unwavering love.
Every year, I made sure you received your edible arrangements on your birthday and on Father’s Day , and any other special moment- a small tradition that brought us joy.
For your final resting place. I have sent you the Graceful Greens Mache floral arrangement. This symbioliizes the renewal, peace, and eternal life. This tribute, now, is your final gift from me as you journey to your eternal home. I will miss your warm laughter, your pearls of wisdom, and the calm strength you always carried with you. You always said you wanted a Mercedes.. but you never knew you would get one walking. “I hold that phrase dear to me heart”.
You were a true king—dignified, kind, and full of heart. Rest peacefully in paradise, Mr. Bass. Your legacy lives on in all of us, and you will never be forgotten.
With all my love and deepest gratitude,
Mercedes C. Bass- Forever Your Daughter In Law
Tracey Pirri
My condolences to the Bass Family. Mr. Bass was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He taught me everything I needed to know about taking care of my new home over twenty years ago. Over the years our families shared years of friendship. Mr. Bass I’m going to miss you 😪. Thanks for the memories ❤️.