William F. Bassett of Bonita Springs, Florida, formerly of Brockton, Massachusetts, died on August 7, 2021 at the age of 78 in Naples, Florida after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" (DiNunno) Bassett for 44 years. Born January 7, 1943 in Brockton, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late W. Francis Bassett and Brenda (Sullivan) Bassett. Bill was a resident of Bonita Springs, Florida for the past 17 years. He was raised in Brockton and graduated from Brockton High School in 1961. After high school, he enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Together with his wife Betty, they proudly owned and operated Leonard's Restaurant in Brockton for nearly 20 years. During this time, they raised eight children. For many years, Bill was a member of Thorny Lea Golf Club and The Club National. He was also an appointed member of the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission. While living in Bonita Springs, he was a communicant of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church and while living in Brockton he was a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. He was an avid Boston sports fan with a special affinity for the Boston Red Sox. During his time in Florida, he enjoyed cooking, golfing, bocce, fishing and playing cards with his friends. He looked forward to visits from his children and grandchildren where many memories were made. The highlight of his week was spending Friday nights at Steamers Restaurant with his close friends from Florida and Brockton. He is survived by his children, Brenda Bassett, Jeanne and her husband John Balutis, Carrie and her husband Scott Balutis, William Bassett Jr., Daniel and his wife Janelle Bassett, Lori Bassett, Brian and his wife Tanya Bassett, and Elizabeth Bassett and her fiancé Jeffrey Cronin. He is also survived by his 17 loving grandchildren, Katherine, Christopher, Michael and Kevin Morganti, Abigail, Lily and Ellie Balutis, Chase and Jack Balutis, William and Alyssa Bassett, Tyler and Ashlyn Bassett, Aiden Bassett, Avery and Georgia Bassett, and Kailen Cronin.In addition to his family, he leaves behind many friends and Sally Dmytryck, his loving companion. ***SERVICE DATE AND TIME CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST*** Following Cremation, A funeral mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 439 West St., Brockton on THURSDAY, August 26th at 11:00AM. Interment will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 1:30PM. A memorial gathering will be held in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont St., Brockton on WEDNESDAY from 4:00-8:00PM.