Robert Bassett Jr.

Norwich — Robert “Bob” Alexander Bassett Jr., 61, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 5, 2017, in Canada.

Bob was born Aug. 28, 1956, in Norwich, the son of Rita Dlugos and the late Robert Bassett Sr. He received his B.A. in applied social relations from Eastern Connecticut State University and his master’s in marriage and family therapy from Southern Connecticut State University. He also received his HIV Testing Certification from the Centers for Disease Control and his CPR, First Aid and Disaster Relief Certifications from the American Red Cross.

Bob had more than 15 years experience as a certified AIDS counselor and had a strong counseling/therapy background. He was also very knowledgeable in substance abuse issues. He had been employed as an Senior Adult Probation Officer and Intensive Supervision Officer for the State of Connecticut Office of Adult Probation from 19851993. He also was employed at The William W. Backus Hospital as a certified AIDS counselor from 1991-2012. He was currently employed with REACH Inc. in Juneau, Alaska, as a direct service provider. Bob was very active with the American Red Cross, volunteering for many years. In addition to his mother, Rita, Bob is survived by his sisters, Barbara Bessette-Henderson and husband, Matthew Henderson, of Friendswood, Texas, and Jane Baillargeon and husband, David, of Norwich; and by his nephews, Michael, Paul and Justin Baillargeon.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave. in Norwich. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 181 Elizabeth St. in Norwich, meeting directly at the church. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery will be private and at the convenience of the family.

To leave a message of condolence for Bob’s family, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations in Robert Bassett Jr.’s memory may be made to the American Red Cross.

The Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., is entrusted with arrangements.