CHANDLER, Ariz. — The oldest son of Bashas’ Supermarkets chairman Eddie Basha Jr. says the family-owned chain plans to continue to operate independently after his father’s death.

The oldest son of Bashas’ Supermarkets chairman Eddie Basha Jr. says the family-owned chain plans to continue to operate independently after his father’s death.

Eddie Basha Jr. died late last month. He was 75.

Basha had run the chain since 1968, when he took over following the death of his father, who had cofounded the chain in 1932. He is credited with rescuing the struggling chain and expanding it, adding two banners, Food City and AJ’s Fine Foods.

The chain, which competes with such retailers as Safeway Inc. and Kroger Co.’s Fry Foods division, as well as Walmart, ran into financial trouble again in 2009, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed 30 underperforming stores. Bashas’ emerged from bankruptcy in August 2010, and celebrated its 80th anniversary last year.

This year Edward (Trey) Basha III succeeded his father as company president and chief executive officer.