Basil, Rev. Fr. John Ernest of Whiting, N.J., passed away peacefully on July 20, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Ramsey, N.J. on Sept. 30, 1935, Fr. Basil was ordained a Catholic priest on May 26, 1962 after graduating from Seton Hall University in South Orange and continuing his studies at the Immaculate Conception Seminary earning a Masters of Divinity degree. During his 56-year ministry as a Roman Catholic Priest, he served in all 4 counties of the Archdiocese of Newark. He served as a parochial vicar, chaplain or administrator at nearly a dozen New Jersey Roman Catholic parishes, including St. Michael Parish in Palisades Park, St. Anne Parish in Jersey City and St. Luke Parish in Ho-Ho-Kus (the parish of his high school alma mater). He was a chaplain at St. Barnabas Hospital and Holy Name Hospital. In the latter part of his ministry, he continued to regularly celebrate Mass at various parishes in Ocean County. His most cherished parish was St. Mary of the Pines. Known for his warmth and generous spirit, Fr. Basil is predeceased by parents Samuel and Helen (Gadino) Basil, and older brother Samuel William Basil. Survivors include younger brother Ronald (Lore) Basil of Allendale, N.J., nephew John (Sarah) Basil, of Whitefish Bay, WI, and nieces Jeanne (Andrew) Spiro, of Portsmouth, R.I. , Aimee (Andrew) Basa, of Wyckoff, N.J. and Danielle (Michael) Long, of Wauwatosa, WI, as well as his cherished grandnephews Ethan Spiro, Noal Basil, Sam Basa, Charlie Basa, Teddy Basa and Griffin Long and grandnieces Abby Spiro, Megan Basil and Devin Long. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Several Sources Shelter, Mary’s Place by the Sea, Villa Marie Claire and Ken’s Kitchen of St. Mary of the Pines Parish. All are invited to the visitation at St. Mary of the Pines Church, 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin, NJ on Thursday, July 26th, 3:00 – 7:00 PM, with a Vigil Mass beginning at 7:00 PM. The celebration of his Funeral Mass will be on Friday, July 27th, at St. Mary of the Pines Church at 11:00 AM. His interment will take place on Saturday July 28th at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ at 10:30 AM. For condolences, or information call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com