John W. L. Bezema

Cumberland, RI – John Walter Lucas Bezema, 91, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, after a short battle with myeloid leukemia. Born on January 8, 1933, in Hengelo, Gelderland, Netherlands, John immigrated to the United States via Ellis Island, New York City, settling in North Attleboro, MA, in 1957 at the age of 24.
In the early 1960s, John opened a garage business in Wrentham, MA, and later opened the Red Baron Lounge in Plainville, MA, in 1975. After retiring, he enjoyed driving touring buses throughout New England and Canada.
John's passion for life began at a young age. He competed in bicycle racing and was a self-taught accordion player. In the early 1970s, he obtained his pilot's license, flying to many destinations, including participating in a Trans-Atlantic Air Rally in 1985. This rally began with circling the Statue of Liberty and ended with circling the Eiffel Tower, where he received an award for his achievement.
As a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, John flew many search and rescue missions for the Civil Air Patrol. His unit participated in the search for the downed plane of John F. Kennedy Jr. and made a flight carrying blood and emergency supplies to New York during 9/11.
John had a deep love for travel and a passion for ballroom dancing, which started with competitions in his earlier years and continued until his last dance on May 28, 2024.
John truly lived a full life. He is survived by his former wife, Arlene Davis of North Attleboro; his daughter, Debra, and her husband, Joseph Deslandes, of Exeter, RI; his granddaughter, Leah Deslandes, of Cranston, RI; and was predeceased by his son, Stephen Bezema.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro. A funeral service, officiated by Reverend Bernard Hinckley, will commence promptly at 7:00 PM in the funeral home at the conclusion of the visitation. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donatetoday.
To sign an online guestbook for John, please visit www.sperry-mchoul.com.