Leonard Guy Basile

8/13/25

Leonard Guy Basile passed away peacefully on August 13th at the age of 89. Born on May 27, 1935, raised in Syracuse, NY and most recently a resident of Skaneateles. He lived and worked most of his life in NYC.

Lenny graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1954 and was a member of the undefeated CBA football team from 1950 to 1953. Len went on to graduate from Fordham University in 1958 with a business degree and remained an active alumnus of both schools. Starting with ROTC, he completed his military career as a member of the Army Reserves rising to the rank of 1st lieutenant.

Len returned to Syracuse and worked for WSYR TV as a cameraman in 1959. In 1967 he accepted a position with NBC Sports as a cameraman. During his 30 years with NBC, Lenny was the recipient of five Emmy Awards for his work; 1974 NHL Stanley Cup; 1978 MLB World Series; 1979 NFL Super Bowl; 1986 MLB World Series and 1988 MLB World Series. He also worked many of the studio shows including The Today Show before switching to the Sports Division. At NBC Sports he worked around the country and traveled with the Olympics to places like Barcelona, Spain in 1992 covering baseball, basketball, football, hockey and many other sports and competitions. He distinguished himself in his field. He was inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

Since his retirement to Skaneateles in 1996, Len had been an active member of Skaneateles Country Club, NYS Senior Golf Association and The Cavaliers and Vagabond Golf Groups. He would be happy to play golf 365 days a year if possible.

Lenny is predeceased by his parents Florine and Floretta Basile, and brother Flory Basile. He leaves behind his three nieces, Jeannine Serley (Rick) of Buffalo, NY, Anne Hoston (Rob) of Syracuse, NY, and Vicky McCullough (Michael) of Silverthorne, CO as well as great nieces Lauren Meader and Julie McCullough and great nephew Scott McCullough, many cousins and lifelong friends that he grew up with.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 23rd from 9:30 am to 11 am at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, Skaneateles followed by a funeral mass at 11 am with a reception to follow. Private burial will be held at Assumption Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Christian Brothers Academy www.cbasyracuse.org, or the United States Olympic Association support.teamusa.org

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.