Posting date: 30 March
2003
It is with the very deepest regret that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and mentor, Ben Bastura. Ben passed away 29 March 2003 from natural causes at his Submarine Library and Museum in Middletown, Connecticut. Ben had long been a supporter of the Submarine Force. Many years ago in 1954 Ben and his brother took up a hobby of Submarines. Even though he never served a day on Submarines. What started as a hobby evolved into a major collection of Submarine history, and memorabilia. Ben had been an incredible source of reference and material. He had been maintaining files on all Submarines for many years. Many members of SUBVETS, and people across the country would contact Ben for information or pictures, or history. He was a great source of reference and information on the Submarine Force. In addition to single handedy operating the Submarine Museum in his own home, he was also an author, who was greatly involved in the writing of the History of the Submarine Veterans of WWII. Ben was an Associate member of the SUBVETS WWII, and also Lockwood Internet Base. Ben's last wishes were as simple and straightforward as his life was.... His ONLY request was to be cremated and have his ashes scattered on Long Island Sound... His wish did not specify a submarine - but given his life's work and his Honorable Discharge from the Army - we hope and pray that his ashes might be carried by one of our newest and fastest Fast Attack submarines. There could be no more fitting tribute to our lost National Treasure, Bernard Bastura. There is a port of no return, where
ships
Shipmate Bastura rest your oar! Very Respectfully,
|
