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Leo Peter Basile, 57, passed away Friday, July 10, 2026, near Huntersville, following a helicopter accident.
He was born March 1, 1969, in Washington, Pa., a son of the late Peter Leo Basile and Dorothy Kay Dixon Basile of Arthurdale.
Leo graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Washington in 1987. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for 10 years as a Huey crew chief. He later joined the Army National Guard and completed Warrant Officer School and flight school, serving an additional 10 years.
Leo proudly served his country during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired from military service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.
Leo was very active in the vintage sports car racing community and enjoyed attending and participating in numerous events, including the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, the Put-in-Bay Vintage Car Races, and the U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. In addition to his love of helicopters and cars, Leo had a special place in his heart for his dogs.
He is survived by his daughter, Jane Elise Basile; brother, Matthew Basile and wife Laura; nephew, Matthew Basile; godmother, Rosemary Cianfrocco; aunts and uncles, Richard "Dick" and Alice Dixon, Joe Tschiderer, Kathy Earhart and husband Chip, and Barbara Losko and husband Vincent; his cousin, Katrina Brown; and many other cousins and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his aunts, Janie Dixon Tschiderer and Rosemary Gruss.
Family and friends will be received in Morgan Funeral Home, 13411 Veterans Memorial Highway, Reedsville, Saturday, August 22, from 12 noon until 3 p.m., when a Celebration of Life will be held. Interment will follow at Arthurdale Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by the Preston County Honor Guard and the West Virginia Army National Guard.
Condolences and sympathy gifts may be sent to the Basile family at www.morganfuneralhomewv.com Morgan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Basile family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Preston County Animal Shelter, 278 Poor Farm Road, Kingwood, WV 26537, (304) 329-3461.