Fund History
The Charles Hibberd Bassett Senior Citizen Fund was established in 2014 by James Thomas (Tom) Bassett, eldest son of Charles Hibberd Bassett and a principal co-founder, long-time director, treasurer and attorney for Charles H. Bassett Youth Foundation, and by Silvia de la Garza, Tom’s wife.
Fund Mission
Tom and Silvia’s intent was to recognize the special interest of Charles Hibberd Bassett in the welfare of senior citizens of the Village of Owego, his hometown, and of surrounding Tioga County communities; and to create a vehicle which would provide funds through small grants for worthwhile projects and programs benefiting senior citizens in Tioga County. Charles demonstrated this special interest by his legal representation of Riverview Manor Health Care Center and many of its residents, two Southern Tier funeral homes, the trust department of Owego National Bank (now Chemung Canal Trust Company) and successive generations of Tioga County families for estate planning, estate administration, elder-law, real estate and other purposes.
Bassett Family Legal Representation in Tioga County
Tom and Silvia’s additional intent was to recognize the delivery of beneficial and needed legal services to individuals and businesses in Owego, Tioga County and the Southern Tier by three generations of Bassett Family lawyers. Robert V.R. Bassett, father of Charles Hibberd Bassett, was a prominent Owego lawyer. Upon the death of his father Robert, Charles Hibberd Bassett kept open his father’s Owego office on a part-time basis for 25 years commuting from his Syracuse law firm. Upon the death of his father Charles Hibberd Bassett in 1994 Tom continued this tradition until his retirement by keeping open his father’s Owego law office also on a part-time basis for 15 years commuting from the same Syracuse law firm.
Legal Services for Senior Citizens
Tom continued his father’s emphasis on legal services for senior citizens in Owego and Tioga County. This long term sustained multi-generational commitment to Tioga County senior citizens is a proud Bassett Family legacy. In retirement in Central New York Tom has remained committed to senior citizens through various volunteer activities including delivery for Syracuse Meals on Wheels, conduct of weekly Roman Catholic communion services at an assisted living facility and as treasurer and board member of Oakwood Cemeteries of Syracuse, Inc. Tom and Silvia are the parents of three sons, Benjamin, Michael and David, and two daughters, Marisa and Elena, grandchildren of Charles and Betty Bassett and proud successors to the legacies of their beloved grandfather.
Contributions Welcome!
Tom and Silvia gladly welcome any help from those who may be interested in furthering the important work of their new fund in a community-wide mutual effort by contributions to this fund.
Make your tax-deductible donation today!
Or mail your check to:
Community Foundation for South Central New York
520 Columbia Drive, Suite 100
Johnson City, New York 13790
Note: “Charles Hibberd Bassett Senior Citizen Fund” in the memo
For gifts of stock or gifts other than cash, please contact foundation staff at (607) 772-6773
