Beloved Longtime Greenwich Teacher Dies Unexpectedly, Community Mourns

GREENWICH, CT — Joseph Baske, a longtime teacher at Greenwich High School, died unexpectedly on April 13. He was 56 years old.

Baske's wife, Michelle, a math teacher at GHS, posted the news on Facebook last week.

"It is with profound sadness that I share the unexpected passing of my husband Joe this past Sunday," she wrote in the April 16 posting. "He was my everything."

Many in the comments offered condolences and recalled memories of Baske at GHS, where he taught social studies for 27 years.

"I have so many wonderful memories of him as a kind, funny and caring teacher. He truly made my high school experience better," one person wrote.

"My deepest condolences for your loss. Mr. Baske was one of my favorite teachers at GHS," another comment said.

Baske grew up in Weston and later earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Connecticut; was currently pursuing his doctorate, according to his obituary. He joined GHS in 1998, his LinkedIn profile notes.

"Many would describe him as the heart and soul of the building. His smile, laughter, and love of life infiltrated the halls and classrooms," his obituary said.

It was at GHS where he met his wife, his oituary said. He proposed within 10 months of dating.

"Their love, respect, and appreciation of one another ran strong and was felt by all that knew them. Joe always prioritized Michelle’s well-being and happiness above all else," his obituary said. "Together they had two children, Joseph and Genevieve. Joe would say being a dad was the greatest gift ever bestowed upon him. As a dad, he was committed to teaching social responsibility, with a generous side of goofiness. At the end of each day he would tell them, 'I love you forever and I’m glad you’re my son/daughter.'"

Away from the classroom, Baske enjoyed basketball and the New York Knicks, and had an affinity for rap music, his obituary noted.

In an emailed statement to Patch, GHS Principal Ralph Mayo mentioned Baske's commitment to his students.

"Joe was a dedicated teacher and a tremendous educator who was committed to each and everyone of his students. He was an amazing man. I loved him a lot," Mayo said.

A mass of Christian burial is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Maurice Church in Stamford. A burial will follow at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery in New Milford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made "In Memory of Joe Baske" to the Greenwich Scholarship Association, PO Box 4627, Greenwich, CT 06831.

Read Baske's full obituary here.