John Bess Obituary
John was pre-deceased by his mother Fairy Mae Johnson, and his two brothers David and Robert Bess. Loved ones left to cherish John's memory are his wife of 52 years, Keesa Y. Bess, his son, Damion Bryan Bess (Nerissa), three grandchildren, Shai-ana, Darrison, and Gabriel Bess; two sisters Lorraine (Lucky) Johnson and Rosalie (Rose) Bess, a host of in-laws, nieces, and nephews, and his very special "little brother" (as he affectionately called him), Walter Lee Smith, Jr.
John and Walter made many fond memories over a 50-year span; one being fishing in Canada every summer which John loved. John was a member of Antler Lodge #494 for more than three decades where he took part in the business aspect of the organization, in addition to helping with community activities and attended every Elk bowling tournament and normally came home with a trophy. John knew he had been blessed and believed in giving back to those in need.
John loved working and equally loved spending his hard-earned money on his 'toys', family and close friends. John Bess was dedicated to those he loved and will be sorely missed by his wife, son, grandchildren, and family. John's son Damion will especially miss their special moments watching football together; a pass-time they both enjoyed.
Funeral arrangements: Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St., Port Dickinson, NY 13901. Service to begin at 12:00 noon. Refreshments will be served at Chase immediately following the service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WmRChase.com for the Bess family.
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Paula
November 18, 2023
He married my sister when I was a child of 8 I used to stay overnight when John had to work overnight
Miss Katie Sullivan
November 8, 2023
Oh Keesa and Damien. I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. I so enjoyed the time I got to visit. I have no words. What ever you need please call me anytime I am here for anything you need. Even if it is just a shoulder.
Love you guys
Blessings Miss Katie
Mary McCray Waymon
November 5, 2023
My sincere condolences to Bess family sorry for your loss. Johnny Mack is what we called him was a good person he will be missed
Trish Grassi
November 1, 2023
John was our beloved neighbor for 20 years. He was like family to us and was there through our marriage and watched us raise our kids who fondly grew up calling him "Mr. John". He would always have a treat for the kids on special holidays and bring over a bag of candy for them on Halloween. We often invited John over when we were grilling outside or to share a beer after a day of mutual yard work because we loved "hanging out" with him. He was a dear friend and we will miss him greatly. Our hearts go out to his family, whom we feel like we know through stories over the years. Love you John, the Grassi's
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Jordyn McCants
October 31, 2023
Going to miss so very much uncle John thank you for making my Prom experiences fun! I will miss seeing you on the holidays and having your food all ready for you so you can watch your football game
Merrell Washington
October 30, 2023
When first meeting John he was a tough nut to crack. Difficult to get to know. But over the years I found him to be a loyal fun loving friend whom I enjoyed spending many days fishing and hanging out with. I will never forget enjoying Duane and Johns companionship on our many fishing excursions. Our motto was spice up the the experiences where one of us did something comical or foolish and we were good at that. Always able to make fun of each others prat falls. I will alway s remember these time and wish to issue my condolences to his family.
Alecia Sartor
October 27, 2023
Under my Uncle John´s "tough as nails" exterior was such a TENDER heart. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know this side of him better in recent years and my love for him grew much deeper. I will hold all the conversations we had, in his later years, about life and family close to my heart. Thank you, Uncle John, for serving our country in war, walking me down the aisle at my wedding, coming to my defense, encouraging me in some hard moments and creating space in your heart for me. It is so hard to believe that such a "ROCK" of a man is no longer with us. I TRULY thought we all had much more time with you. But, yet again, God reminds us that life is "just a vapor." Family & Friends, I encourage you to keep loving each other while we have time here on earth but to also recognize that Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks at this very moment. Please let Him in while there is time. Sadly, October 20th was another reminder that tomorrow is not promised to any of us.
With love to our entire family! - Alecia Sartor
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737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, NY 13901
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