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Ronald Besante Obituary
Ronald "Ron"
Besante, a compassionate clinician, dedicated educator, and a beacon of hope for aspiring
healthcare professionals, passed away on September 7, 2023, at the age of sixty-five.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane Besante, and their five children: Melissa Besante-Dineen, MJ Besante Sams, John Besante, Diego Besante-Strandberg, and James Besante, along with countless other loved ones. A resident of Belen, NM, he leaves behind a profound legacy that spans both a remarkable career and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
Born in Jersey City, NJ, Ron enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 after the tragic loss of his mother. Her death served as the catalyst for his dedication to helping others. As a Navy Corpsman, he acquired skills and experiences that would become the cornerstone of his career.
Ron worked as an ER Tech at UNM Hospital (UNMH) in the early 80s, and as a young parent, he took night and weekend classes at Albuquerque TVI (CNM) to become a
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). His commitment to education continued, and he would eventually earn his BUS, RN, and MPA.
A consummate professional, Nurse Besante's career took him through various hospital leadership roles, and he even served as a member of the UNMH Lifeguard helicopter flight crew. His passion for education
shone brightly
and he is remembered for his dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched, and his legacy will continue to inspire.
A celebration of Ron's
remarkable life will be held at the UNM Alumni Chapel on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11am. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring his memory.
In remembrance of Ron's legacy, family and friends have created a scholarship that will benefit area CNM students who are interested in a career in the health sciences.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a
tax-deductible donation to his scholarship fund at
http://tinyurl.com/RonBesante
or use the provided QR code to donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Besante
George BooBoo Gallo
September 9, 2025
Always my little brother...the world is sadder without you....
LONNY
September 9, 2025
Every time I go to the VAMC I miss Ron. Such a super kind man.
George Gallo
November 2, 2023
I met Ronald and Renee in 1970 when I was 13 and they were 12. Their older sister Dawn was good friends with my sister and she got us together. They lived in Jersey City but had a summer home in Keansburg. We became friends but it grew into family. Ronald was always fun to hang with, quick witted and just a wonderful person. By the next year we added my sister´s future brother in law, Mark to our group as well as my cousins Billy and Joan Marie. Then Renee added her friend Angela. We hung out by my parent´s restaurant across the street from the boardwalk. I worked at a record stand. Then their mother passed away. Mrs. B was just the best, a lovely woman who treated us all as if we weee her own. The last thing she asked me was to take care of Ronald and Renee like my own brother and sister. For years we hung out, as we grew older more Ronald than Renee. While I had two brothers of my own one was 8 years older, the other 9 years younger. Ronald was my brother. Eventually Ronald moved away and we lost track. That was a loss in my life. With his passing it is like my brother is gone. The world was a better place because of him being in it....
BooBoo Gallo
Cindy Pleima
October 30, 2023
Oh Mary Jane and family. I was so saddened to see that Ron passed away. We go way back when you were in Iowa, but I always think of you often......I´ll never forget when you guys surprised us that one year for tulip time!! Mary Jane and family you will always be in my thoughts and prayers, and I will cherish those memories that we´ve had together in my heart forever. I love you all take care. Cindy
Bill and Jean Dwyer
October 30, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the family of Ronald Besante. May his light shine brightly thru the sky at night to spread joy and love
Michele Comte Baxter
October 30, 2023
I knew Ron from when he was stationed at the Submarine base in Groton Conn. He was a great guy and always had a smile on his face.I am sorry to hear of your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My ex is Mel Baxter who actually worked with Ron. He also feels saddened by your loss. Fair winds and Following Seas Ron
Jen Rotolo
October 29, 2023
So very glad I was able to know you. A true hero. One of a kind human being who did not know how to say no to anyone.
Anthony J Daquino
October 29, 2023
We were fellow "rude crude Jersey Dudes". RIP old friend.
Tom Tom
October 29, 2023
RIP Uncle Ron
I will cherish the good memories when you and the family would come visit Jersey and we would all hang at Grandma and Pop-Pop house I can only wish we all got to see each other more often One Love
From:Nephew Tom-Tom
Abby Park
September 18, 2023
I will always be grateful to the person that suggested Ron, the director of nursing at the Student Health Center in late 2004 recommend that I, a prospective Occupational therapy Graduate Student be accompanied by him on my official tour of UNM campus as I am a wheelchair user.
I still remember that moment when Ron and a few others picked me up from the La Qunita on yale in a small car. Ron laughed as I transferred from a small ledge into my wheelchair and said, " you don't need my help.. you're more mobile than I am!" On the car ride, Ron and I discovered we were both from Jersey City, NJ! Ron never met a stranger !! All of my family was still in NJ. I was accepted into the program.... Several weeks later Ron and his wife brought over dishes, glasses and kitchenware for me to use in my dorm room. Shortly after that, I would spend many weekends, holidays, family events, and gatherings at their home in Belen. I became a member of his family for a number of years!
Ron did not ever have to speak to me again after he took me on that tour of UNM campus. But that's not who Ron is... the sun always shone a little bit brighter in his presence... the world was a better place with him in it... Ron and his family comprise such a large part of the fabric of my life.
Michelle Fratrick
September 16, 2023
I worked with Ron in the 1980´s at UNMH ED - we laughed and cried together but we were always a team in the ED i will never forget those times and will always hold them my heart. Rest in pease god speed there is a special place in heaven for you
Love Michelle Fratrick RN
Judy Glann
September 16, 2023
My offering of prayers and solace to the Besante family at this difficult time. I knew Ron when I first came to NM in '95, through teaching ACLS, TNCC w/ the U, then working at Lovelace, UNM, then the VA...always upbeat, generous w/ teaching or a quick w/ a joke or show of compassion if you were having a bad day. One of my many favorite memories was of him teaching a suture class at Lovelace and he proceeded it with one of the intro slides being a disclaimer (of apology) as he infused jokes/stories that may involve certain people into the lessons to make it fun(ny) and as a tool to relax us and not be nervous with what we would do in skills lab. What a wit!!! God bless you, my brother. I will miss your humor, kindness, caring, irreverence and authenticity.
Randy Baca
September 15, 2023
I worked with Ron at the VA when he was in the Education Department. He was a great individual who I respected very much.
hanh nguyen
September 15, 2023
My condolences to Nurse "Ron" Besante's family. The annual scholarship for students enrolled in health career programs in the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety, and School of Nursing & Patient Support; preference given to graduates of Rio Grande High School will greatly benefit many. "Ron" may Your Creator greets you into Eternal Lights.
Dolores Heuer
September 15, 2023
Ron was generous and kind. He shared his medical knowledge with all departments (UNMH). He was appreciated by all patients/employees he encountered. Rest in peace Ron. Condolences to family/friends.
Dolores
LONNY
September 15, 2023
Ron was so kind, generous and helpful. As nice a person as you will ever meet. Very sad for your loss. LONNY
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