Charles W. Bass
April 17, 1953 ~ February 11, 2025
Born in: Washington, DC
Resided in: Cape Elizabeth, ME
Cape Elizabeth – Charles W. Bass, 71, passed away on February 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born in April 1953, in Washington D.C., son of the late W. Streeter Jr. and Rita (Schwep) Bass.
As the son of a CIA agent and great grandson of the founder of G.H.BASS & CO., Charlie had an affinity for life and family, with a deep curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. At an early age, he lived in West Berlin during the Cold War where his father served as an undercover agent. Once returning home, he attended St. Albans School and sang in the choir of the Washington National Cathedral. He later attended Bowdoin College, graduating in 1976 with a BA in Government.
Throughout his life, Charles was known as a man of deep passion and caring for those around him. He co-founded the Metro DC chapter for the Epilepsy Foundation, helped prevent the Theater at Monmouth from closing (as an avid reader of Shakespeare), and was a steadfast advocate of education and the arts. Seizing every opportunity to help his community, he always believed in leaving the world better than how he found it.
For those who knew him, Charlie warmed every room he was in and led with kindness, generosity and compassion. He was a model gentleman, boundless student, devoted husband and treasured father. His greatest pride were his children, with wonderful memories of their many travels and summers at their family home on Mt. Desert Island. As he begins his next adventure, the memory of his gentle smile and caring spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Charlie leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Dede (Hanlon) Bass; their children, Dr. Austin Bass and his longtime partner Dr. Katie Surdovel, Jonathan and his wife Kaylee Bass, Lexi and her husband Beau Cormier; sister Carson and her husband Chris Lutes; and many beloved extended family members.
A memorial service for Charlie will be held in private with his immediate family and he will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to local arts initiatives, in honor of Charles’s lifelong commitment to culture and education.
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Dede, your husband was absolutely the sweetest man ever he had the warmest smile I know how much she loved his Baxter but of course ~ he will be missed my many I’m sure ~ my condolences to the family 🙏🏽
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Charlie in a Physical Therapist capacity. I had the great pleasure and honor of working with Charlie to regain strength, stability and mobility while he was at home. He was such a joy to work with, eternally optimistic and kind, always greeting me with a warm smile. We shared many stories and laughs. He won my heart. I’m a better person for having known him and Dede. I will remember him always, with a smile. Rest with the highest.💙
Charlie has been such an incredible influence on our entire family for decades ! He’s a man that I could not have looked up to more. ( in all ways) !! He was a true gentleman. He treated all of us with endless kindness and respect . I always felt a closeness to Charlie and had a special connection with him for years .We always thought alike. And he was always there for me and supported me with his kind words. He was a true example of what a man, father and husband should look like. I will miss him forever .
Karen ❤️❤️