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Octavio Bessa Obituary
"Octavio Bessa Jr., MD passed away Sunday, May 17th, 2020 from complications from dementia and the coronavirus. He was 88 years old. He was the son of Octavio Bessa and Anna Bessa. He was born in Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil. He leaves behind a wife 4 children and 7 grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Wanda and his four children, James Robert, Peter Edward, Paul Roger, and Julie Veneziano. He also had seven grandchildren, Adam, Jessica, Nick, Maddie, Will, Sophie and Luke. He also had three brothers, Jose', Luis and Oduvaldo. He went to medical school in Curitiba, Brazil, and later became a doctor in internal medicine. In 1958, he moved to the Bronx to do a residency, and met my mom, Wanda, on a blind date and eventually got married in New Jersey. He was a great doctor and that's what we must remember about him. He was always most happy sailing on his boat, "En Passant".
Donations can be made to Doctor's without Borders.
Octavio Bessa Jr. M.D. July 26, 1931-May 17, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for Octavio Bessa
Sponsored by Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. - Sarasota.
Heather fitch bob´s daughter
July 31, 2025
I´m so sorry about your dad . He was friends with my dad and used to sail a lot. They even did the Bermuda race in the late 70s. I know my father found enjoyment sailing his entire life. He too has passed away.
Linda Fitzgerald
August 1, 2020
I worked for Dr. Bessa for many years.. He was an excellent physician and a very thoughtful man. He was very proud of his family and often talked lovingly about his children. Sometimes he would disappear and I learned in time that he was headed for his boat. What a gift he was to his patients.
James
June 25, 2020
James
June 25, 2020
James
June 1, 2020
My father was a good man, perhaps a stubborn man, but I think deep down he loved all his children along with his wife and he was an excellent doctor, that's what we must remember about him may my father rest in peace
Meu pai era um homem bom, talvez um homem teimoso, mas acho que no fundo ele amava todos os seus filhos junto com sua esposa e ele era um excelente médico, é isso que devemos lembrar sobre ele, que meu pai descanse em paz
James
May 29, 2020
My dad was a very good doctor and he was a very stubborn person but I think he loves all his children especially his wife and he taught me many things the most important to live life to the fullest to treat everyday as if it's your last and above all to help other people
Paul R Bessa
May 28, 2020
Octavio was my pop! He was a hard man but a good man. He always meant well. He raied. 4 decent kids I'd like to think. He had a lot of Integrity for what he did and he did his job well! He gave me a great love for the ocean and of exploration. I'd like to thank all the people who left their nice thoughts and memories. May my father move on in peace.
James Bessa
May 28, 2020
Growing up as the youngest of four children I had the luck of spending the most time with my father!! He was not a very emotional person, but I really believe that deep down he really loved all his children, and especially his wife, he just didn't know how to show it, and more importantly he was a great doctor he didn't go into medicine for the money but he went into medicine for the right reasons because he wanted to help people and whatever they gave him he took he didn't push drugs on this patients and he even made house calls up until 1999 when he retired. My dad taught me many things and the most important thing I remember about him was that he taught me always to help other people!!
Rest in peace. I love you!!
Crescendo como o caçula de quatro filhos, tive a sorte de passar mais tempo com meu pai !! Ele não era uma pessoa muito emocional, mas eu realmente acredito que, no fundo, ele realmente amava todos os seus filhos, e especialmente sua esposa, ele simplesmente não sabia como mostrá-lo e, mais importante, ele era um ótimo médico, não sabia. ele entrou no remédio pelo dinheiro, mas ele entrou no remédio pelas razões certas, porque queria ajudar as pessoas e, o que quer que eles lhe dessem, ele não ingeriu drogas nesses pacientes e até fez chamadas para casa até 1999, quando se aposentou. Meu pai me ensinou muitas coisas e a coisa mais importante que me lembro sobre ele foi que ele me ensinou sempre a ajudar outras pessoas !!
Descanse em paz. Eu te amo!!
Joseph & Mary Pappalardo
May 28, 2020
Dr. Bessa was an outstanding human being and our family was fortunate to have crossed his path. Not only a gifted physician but a compassionate healer he will always be in our prayers.
maryellen zarnik
May 27, 2020
Dr. Bossa taught me how to sail with Julie when we were pretty young. Julie had a captains hat she wore proudly. I can still here his accent as he called me by a funny nickname. I worked at. St Joe's in stamford as a new nurse..... How great was it to see him down the hallway, a familiar face. Our families grew up together as best friends. Rest in peace doc, you earned it.
John and Barbara Rade
May 27, 2020
We were friends in Stamford and carried that friendship to Sarasota. Our sympathy goes out to Wanda and the Family. May he rest in peace.
Bertha Berry
May 27, 2020
I worked for Dr. Bessa. He was a great Doctor and Wonderful Human Being. My deepest Sympathy to Wanda and His family Blessings and Love
Bertha Berry Stamford CT
Joe Ozimek
May 27, 2020
Dear Bessa family: I'm deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this time...
Bertha Barosky
May 26, 2020
Sincere sympathy to Dr. Bessa's survivors. His wife, Wanda, was an acquaintance of mine at St. Cecilia Church in Stamford, CT. May he rest in peace.
Elizabeth (Betsy) Henry
May 26, 2020
My Dearest Mrs. Bessa & Family, I know how little words written on a page can possibly mean to you at this time. But, I must at least let you know that you are in my thoughts, my prayers & in my heart. I will always remember him as a very caring doctor. With my deepest sympathy, Betsy Henry
Dr. Richard J. Sass
May 26, 2020
To the Bessa Family, with sympathy and respect...
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