Mark C. Bassaly, 27, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 24, 2020 at St. Anne's Hospital.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of Dr. Emad R. Bassaly and Dr. Neveen (Ramzy) Bassaly. A proud graduate of Tiverton High School, class of 2012, he was also a member of the YMCA of Middletown and an active participant of the Special Olympics where he played many games of basketball.

Mark was an angel living on earth. He did not have one mean bone in his body. He was gentle, so sweet, sensitive, affectionate, genuine, funny, intelligent, and so many other qualities. He was truly one of a kind. He was never able to speak, not even one word, but he was still able to impact the lives of everyone he met. Mark loved the simple things in life such as spending quality time with family and friends, food, especially pasta and rice, which were his favorites, and always loved Chicken Bellagio at the Cheesecake Factory, Crab Rangoons, and Kofta, a middle eastern favorite. He always had a hand full of straws that he would fidget with and was almost never seen without his headphones; music was always running through his veins.  Shortly before he passed, he started music lessons with Giulia Khoury from St. Anthony of the Desert Church.  He also enjoyed Zumba, listening to the Beach Boys on his iPod, and going to Grinnell's beach with his dad to enjoy the sand, sun and water. He loved car rides, air planes, and traveling with his family. His sense of humor was indescribable and those who knew him well can attest to his fun-loving spirit and his ability to always put a smile on your face. Here are some quoted statements from some of the many people who loved him and whom he loved: "I don't even know how to put into words how much Mark impressed me and how much he inspired me to feel confident in my own shoes growing up"…."I think he was the only person in the world I always knew was never going to be judgmental, and you could always count on for a smile."….."Going forward, I hope everyone tries to live their lives more like Mark.. enjoy simple things in life.. never feel guilty about living off only carbs.. lose the negativity and always just be a friend and offer a smile and a hand to hold."…."very few kids impacted me and my life to the same level that Mark did. He was so gentle, so kind, and so intelligent. Though he never said any words, he said so much with his actions, facial expressions, and singing. To say I am devastated by this news is an understatement."…….."He didn't like anyone near me but him.  He had the most incredible heart of anyone I've ever known.  I miss his silliness, and I will forever miss holding his hand."…. "When I would talk to Mark about how much God loves him, he would have this look in his eyes that I will never forget.  I believe that Mark knows Jesus and Mary better than any of us."

Besides his parents, he leaves: his loving sister, Mary Bassaly of Tiverton and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A public visitation period was held on Sunday, August 30th, in our Fall River Chapel. Although his funeral was private, Mark's Funeral Mass was live-streamed on St. Anthony of the Desert Facebook Page on Monday, August 31st. His private committal was at Pocasset Hill Cemetery in Tiverton.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Mark's memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Special Olympics of Rhode Island, 370 Washington Highway, Smithfield, Rhode Island, 02917.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of this pandemic or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail Thank you!

To ensure that said condolences reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website ( www.silvafaria.com ) and not through a third party. Thank you!