Charles W. Bass

CAPE ELIZABETH – Charles W. Bass, 71, passed away on Feb. 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born in April 1953, in Washington D.C., son of the late W. Streeter Jr. and Rita (Schwep) Bass.

As the son of a CIA agent and great-grandson of the founder of G.H.BASS & CO., Charlie had an affinity for life and family, with a deep curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. At an early age, he lived in West Berlin during the Cold War where his father served as an undercover agent. Once returning home, he attended St. Albans School and sang in the choir of the Washington National Cathedral. He later attended Bowdoin College, graduating in 1976 with a B.A. in Government.

Throughout his life, Charles was known as a man of deep passion and caring for those around him. He co-founded the Metro DC chapter for the Epilepsy Foundation, helped prevent the Theater at Monmouth from closing (as an avid reader of Shakespeare), and was a steadfast advocate of education and the arts. Seizing every opportunity to help his community, he always believed in leaving the world better than how he found it.

For those who knew him, Charlie warmed every room he was in and led with kindness, generosity and compassion. He was a model gentleman, boundless student, devoted husband and treasured father. His greatest pride were his children, with wonderful memories of their many travels and summers at their family home on Mt. Desert Island. As he begins his next adventure, the memory of his gentle smile and caring spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Charlie leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Dede (Hanlon) Bass; their children, Dr. Austin Bass and his longtime partner Dr. Katie Surdovel, Jonathan and his wife Kaylee Bass, Lexi and her husband Beau Cormier; sister, Carson and her husband Chris Lutes; and many beloved extended family members.

A memorial service for Charlie will be held in private with his immediate family and he will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth.

Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view Charlie’s memorial page or to leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to: local arts initiatives in honor of Charles’s lifelong commitment to culture and education