Photo courtesy of HILDEBRAND - RUSS FUNERAL HOME - Rhinelander
Feb 24, 1959 - Dec 10, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. I have such fond memories of Tom from long ago and would have made it to the funeral but, unfortunately, I lost my own brother on the very day you lost Tom. May God bless you and your family as you struggle through this time.
Remember the things he loved most. It's helping me.
Jan Kriha
December 20, 2025 | Rhinelander, WI | Friend
RIP Red!! We had fun at Pioneer Park and the Labor Temple along with many weekends here and there! You were a great friend to hang with!!!
Randy Tushoski
December 19, 2025 | Bergland, MI
Rest easy Red , god bless you my friend . Condolences to all .
Blain pasanen
December 18, 2025 | Rhinelander, WI | Classmate
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jan Breivogel
December 13, 2025 | Rhinelander, WI | Friend
I’m sitting here thinking of the good times we had attending South Park school. Puts a smile on my face. Rest in peace Tom
Doug Dumpprope
December 12, 2025 | Rhinelander, WI
Jordan and Joann, So sorry for your loss. Red passed down his love of nature to his step-son, Damon. We continue to celebrate many of these traditions with our children. Will be thinking about him out on the ice this winter. Sending lots of love your way during this difficult time.
Carrie Frye
December 12, 2025 | Rhinelander, WI | Family
Thomas Gerard Bessa
"Red"
February 24, 1959 ~ December 10, 2025
Age ~ 66
Thomas G. “Red” Bessa, 66, of Rhinelander, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital.
Thomas was born on February 24, 1959, in Rhinelander to Leonard and Joan (Stevens) Bessa. He was raised in Rhinelander and attended Rhinelander schools. He played hockey in high school and continued playing recreationally after. Red married Joann Catalano. They had one son, Jordan, and later divorced.
Red was employed by Dietz Construction, Dave Swett’s Drywalling and Painting, and for twenty years with the Carpenters Local Union #322 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Red lived in Hudson, Wisconsin, while employed with the union, until he became disabled. He returned to Rhinelander in 2001. In 2015, he met Theresa (Stefan) Kennedy who he had known since high school. They have been together since, enjoying each other’s company.
Red was Catholic by faith and attended Nativity of Our Lord (St. Mary's) church while growing up.
Red enjoyed shooting pool, deer hunting and fishing. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Gunsmoke.
Surviving is his companion of ten years, Theresa (Stefan) Kennedy, one son, Jordan Bessa, siblings, Gary (Connie) Bessa of Rhinelander, Char Bessa of Madison, WI, Cheryl (Lee)Tourtillott of Burnsville, MN, and Carol Palm of Pompano Beach, FL. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, and well as his beloved four-legged companion “Dulche,” his Terrier/Pomeranian.
Red is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Joan Bessa, two sisters, Lori Birginal and Mary Bessa, and a brother, John Bessa.
The visitation for Red will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Parish located at 125 E. King Street, from 11:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. Memorial Mass. Fr. Chris Kemp will officiate.
Immediately following the mass, there will be a procession to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery for the Committal Service.
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