Robert Bass, of Somers, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 27 after a long illness. He was age 82.
He was the oldest of three children and he couldn’t wait to achieve the American Dream.
Starting with a shoeshine box at age 10 and selling Good Humor at 14, he was a well-known figure on Lincoln and Columbus Abenue in Mt. Vernon. Buying his first piece of property at 17, he established J. Bass & Sons, Inc.
Bass was an accomplished numismatist, amassing the finest collection of American Pioneer Patterns ever assembled. He taught himself about coins by establishing an extensive library and in his own words turned it over to another generation in his lifetime. When he retired to Heritage Hills, he became President of Condo #9.
The man is survived by a most loving family: his wife, Ina, his children: Deborah (John) Shindle, Julie (Bill) Divens, Jacqueline (Jeffrey) Zagoren, Michael (Ellen) Bass, Beth (Eric) Clamidge and 7 grandchildren: Ian, Joshua, Jacob, Rebecca, Aaron, Melanie and Scott.
