Basil Wadkovsky

Basil Wadkovsky, 88, of Chestertown, MD, passed away on July 7, 2024 at Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville , MD after a short illness. Basil was born on March 16, 1936 in Sea Cliff, NY, the son of Basil Wadkovsky, Jr. and Natasha (Pouschine) Wadkovsky. A descendant of Russian nobility, Basil spent his childhood years in a Russian community in Sea Cliff and only spoke Russian until he was enrolled in the local school in first grade. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to Maryland, just outside of Baltimore. He then was enrolled in St. Paul’s School for boys, from which he graduated in 1954. Basil served for two years in the United States Army, stationed in France, and was a member of the Army basketball team which toured throughout Europe during his peacetime enrollment. He attended and graduated from Washington College in Chestertown in 1961. He met his future wife Diane Lewis in Salisbury, MD, and they married on June 19th, 1963. While working as a salesman for Moore Business Forms, Basil enrolled in Law School at the University of Baltimore where he attended night classes. During his three years of law school, he left Moore Business Forms and was employed during the day as a Probation Officer in Talbot County. He received his degree in 1968. Upon graduation and prior to his admission to the Bar, Basil was clerk for the Court of Special Appeals. Basil was admitted to the Maryland Bar Association in 1969 and set up practice in Chestertown, where he continued to practice until 2023, a career spanning 54 years. Aside from his private practice, he also served as Deputy States Attorney for Kent County from 1970-1974, Attorney to Kent County Commissioners from 1976-1978, and States Attorney for Kent County 1978-1982. Basil was known for his compassion and sense of fairness, and on more than one occasion took payment for services in the form of bushels of crabs and oysters from clients who needed representation but lacked the ability to provide monetary compensation. Basil excelled in athletics in high school and college, running cross country, playing basketball and lacrosse. He continued to play basketball in a pick-up league after college, and also played softball in a local league. When he could no longer play basketball and softball, he took up running, and when his knees would no longer allow him to run, he and Diane bought bikes and enjoyed the numerous bike trails on the Eastern and Western Shores. He also joined the Kent County YMCA where he worked out at least four days per week. More than anything, he loved swimming in the ocean. His competitive nature was apparent on the court and field as well as in the courtroom. No matter the venue, Basil believed in sportsmanship and a handshake after the match despite the outcome. In addition to playing sports, he also enjoyed watching sporting events, and was, in particular, a dedicated fan of the Baltimore Orioles. Basil loved the Eastern Shore and was very involved in the local community. He was a charter member of the Chestertown Elks Lodge 2474 and served four times as its Exalted Ruler. He was heavily involved in the Elks National Hoop Shoot and would, along with his wife Diane, accompany local youths to local, district, regional and national tournaments. He was at one time an assistant coach for the Washington College Lacrosse team. He also coached little league lacrosse and little league football. He was a past member of the Vestry of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and was a member of the Washington College Hall of Fame committee. Basil loved his family and enthusiastically supported his children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities, whether athletic, artistic or theatric. Basil is survived by his wife of 61 years, Diane; his children Captain Nick Wadkovsky (Terry), Jenny Wayne (John), Judy Hogans (Vaughn), Alex Wadkovsky (Jen); his grandchildren Dylan, Emily, Vaughn, Nicholas, Katie, Aly, Ty and Tiffany and his great grandchildren Ryan and Alexa. He is also survived by his sister Natalie Donaldson of Buckinghamshire, England; two nephews and four nieces, all in the UK. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Chestertown Elks Lodge #2474 or to Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Basil Wadkovsky

March 16, 1936 - July 7, 2024