March 9, 2024

Thomas Basta Obituary (1935 – 2022) – San Jose, CA

Thomas F. Basta
May 17, 1935 – April 2, 2022
Resident of Los Gatos, CA
Thomas passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Born to Italian immigrants Thomas and Ada Basta (deceased) in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the family moved to Willow Glen, Ca. Thomas is survived by his sister Maria (Joe), niece Vanessa (John), nephew Dominic and great nephews Johnny and Spencer. He is also survived by Sue Agnoletti (Hank), his “work wife” of 35 years and best friend. He is preceded in death by his sister Vilma, as well as beloved extended family members.
Thomas’s passion for Dentistry is something all who knew him will always remember. His career spanned 63 years, in private practice 41 years, but he also lectured all over the world, and co-founded F.A.C.E. (Foundation for Advanced Continuing Education) in 1974, where he taught, mentored, and motivated dentists to invest in their own passion for dentistry. Dentists came to F.A.C.E. from all over the world and left with priceless knowledge and a renewed enthusiasm for their field, but more importantly, they left with a heartfelt friendship with someone many called a second father.
You did not know Thomas without knowing he loved golf. He was a charter member of Almaden Country Club, as well as a member of the Plantation in Indian Wells, Ca. He was an avid San Francisco 49ers and Giants fan. He was a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association and the Santa Clara County Dental Society. He was also a member of the International Academy of Gnathology, who honored him with the prestigious Beverley McCollum Award for outstanding contributions and achievement in the advancement of dentistry.
Thomas’s ability to make you feel like you had been his friend for decades was like no other. If you were his friend, you were family, and this is made abundantly clear in the emotion and support through the years and since his passing. The loss felt by family, friends and colleagues is as big as his presence was felt in life.
Thomas was very proud of his Italian Heritage and family meant everything to him. He showed us all how to live, love, and laugh!
In honor of Thomas, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Shriners Hospital for Children (donate.lovetotherescue.org).

View the online memorial for Thomas F. Basta