Michael Bassow

On Thursday, April 11, 2019, Michael Edward Bassow passed peacefully at his home in East Nashville, TN. Mike was a native of CA, born and raised in Santa Barbara, his family later relocated to Chico, where he attended college. He excelled in football and baseball during his high school and college years. He was a student of all things fun, gifted with a charming and outgoing personality and a quick wit, and blessed with boundless compassion and empathy. Mike came to Nashville in the late 90s to pursue his dream of being a singer and songwriter. After arriving in Music City, he worked in the restaurant industry, at Macaroni Grill, Midtown Cafe, and Sunset Grill. He was a favorite bartender of the many regulars. Eventually, Mike moved to the other side of the bar and became a top sales rep and sales manager for spirit and wine distributors in Nashville. In 2010, after the Nashville flood devastated the Jess Neely Ballpark, Mike was instrumental in getting various industries and community leaders together to commit and contribute to the rebuilding of the Little League ballfields in Shelby Park. A new organization was formed, East Nashville Athletics, and youth baseball began to thrive again in the park, bringing together families and kids of all ages and backgrounds. With his encouragement, Mike led many kids into baseball and saw it's value and impact as something larger than the game itself. After several years of coaching teams, he took up umpiring and quickly became everyone's favorite, and was dubbed the "Ump of East Nashville". Mike was an avid cook and loved to feed and entertain people. He was adept at creating real community within his neighborhood, generous and giving to a fault, and welcoming to all who stepped through his doorway. The Bassow home is a hub of activity in their neighborhood and a gathering place for kids and parents alike. The back porch was the place he loved to hold court and the scene of many wonderful meals, music, and laughs. Mike's greatest source of pride was his family and his love of being a husband to Tricia and father to, now 14-year old, Wyatt. Family was always a priority to Mike. He is survived by his wife, and son, brother Larry, sister-in-law Kristina, nieces Madison and Laura, and nephews, Cameron, Jackson, and Caiden, and in-laws, Lydie and Vince. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Mary Margaret (Knight) Bassow and Sydney Alan Bassow. A true pillar of the neighborhood and East Nashville community , Mike Bassow will be sorely missed, but long remembered with a smile, a story, and a song. A full day of love and inclusion is planned for Sunday, July 21, in Santa Barbara, CA. The celebration will begin with laughs and tears at San Marco High School, followed by a “Little League” style BBQ at Tuckers Grove Park (Kiwanis Meadows). Specific details will be added here, and to Mike’s Facebook (and Larry’s) page. https://www.gofundme.com/michael-bassow-memorial-fund