William Bass marks his 100th birthday

Celebrating your 100th birthday should be special and William Bass’s family marked the occasion with a surprise party for the 64-year Woodmere resident at Frank’s Steakhouse in Rockville Centre two days before his actual birthday.

Born on Sept. 10, 1912, Bass was the son of Russian immigrants and grew up, along with his brother, Lenny, in Brooklyn.

Immediately after graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School, in the East New York section of the borough, Bass began working in the garment industry. He retired at 82.

Drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, Bass served as a staff sergeant from 1942-’46. The years he spent defending his country were among the proudest of his life, his daughter, Dr. Sherry Bass wrote.

After he returned from the war, Bass met his wife Bette. They were married for 63 years. Bette, who owned Bette Bass Boutique in Woodmere for more than 45 years, died on March 28 of last year.

The couple had three daughters. Carol Gursky, Sherry Bass and Patti Siegel, and three grandchildren, Adam Gursky, Mara Gursky and Keith Siegel.

Known for his kind nature and generosity, Bass maintains an avid interest in current politics and is a great joke teller who is always seeking out new material. His time is also filled by caring for his two dogs and occasionally cooking some meals.