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John Bessette Obituary
Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Alfred J. and Mary (Cavanaugh) Bessette Sr. He resided in Cumberland for over 65 years, previously living in North Providence and Pawtucket. He was a lifelong summer resident of Charlestown.
John and his 4 brothers served in the Navy during WWII resulting in their mother receiving a commendation from the US Secretary of the Navy. John served his country on the U.S.S. New York. After the war he returned to his railroad employment. During the next 42 years he worked for The NY, NH & Hartford, the Penn Central, Conrail and the Boston & Maine Railroads. He was affiliated with the following unions: BRCAC, The Machinists, and the Railway Supervisors Union. John was sitting President of NARVRE Unit #32 for over 29 years.
John was co-owner of the family's hardware store, Bessette Hardware for over 26 years. He was the incredible "Mr. Fix It" with the tool collection to match. A passionate Red Sox and Patriots fan and secret Cardinals fan. He was an avid gardener who took pride in his prized tomatoes as well as his bountiful flower garden. He was also known for his culinary talents, especially his homemade clam chowder.
He is survived by John Jr. and Debra of Cumberland, Michael and Lauren Williams of Charlestown, Thomas and Susan of Plymouth, Richard and Lisa of Cumberland and was predeceased by his son Timothy. He also leaves behind his brothers Paul and Gilbert and his sister Virginia Fortin and his late brothers Alfred, Phillip and William. He will be greatly missed by his 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Also, the family would like to thank the staff of Hopkins Manor for their compassionate care.
A celebration of his life will be held Monday at 9 a.m. from the J.J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Rd. Rte. 122, Cumberland. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, Broad St., Cumberland. Burial in Resurrections Cemetery, Cumberland will follow. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Calling hours are Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. In Lieu of Flowers the family suggests a memorial contribution be sent to RI Community Food Bank.
Directions/Guest Book: jjduffyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Bessette
Sponsored by J. J. Duffy Funeral Home.
Joanne Messier
March 28, 2016
My condolences are given to the Bessette Family. May your Dad rest in peace.
Marcia and Jim Carvalho
March 15, 2016
Deepest sympathy to the entire Bessette family.
Joan Murray Mandryk
March 7, 2016
To my Bessette cousins--my long ago memories of us all gathering at Grandma and Aunt Dede's house during the holidays are the best. Your Mom and Dad are so fondly remembered and loved. Those were good years.
Julie Butler
March 3, 2016
John, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
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Ann Brown
March 1, 2016
To all the Bessette Family, Sorry to hear the news about your Dad. We have many good memories of living on Ann Street. My prayers are with you.
david morris
March 1, 2016
So very sorry to hear about your dad
March 1, 2016
John we are so sorry for the loss of your dad and Ashley for the loss of your grandfather. We send our love and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
~Eric & Erin Cowdell
Mark Cunningham
February 29, 2016
Blessings and Grace be with all you my cousins. Uncle John was a wonderful, fun loving and proud man who loved his family and was so proud of all of you.Rest in peace Uncle John
Bob and Betty Crawley
February 29, 2016
John sending our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father and Ashley on the loss of your grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Ed Zaborski
February 29, 2016
Richard & Lisa and Bessette families sending condolences on the loss of your Father - may your happiest memories get your through this tough time!
Ed
February 29, 2016
Dear Bessette Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Tracing all the way back to the St. Pat's years of our lives, we extend our sincere sympathy. We wish you the peace and comfort that only God's word can give. (John 5:28) Until you are reunited with both your parents and Tim, we share your sorrow.
With sincere sympathy
Maureen (Dupuis) Robitaille Kathleen (Dupuis) Casci
James Cunningham
February 28, 2016
God Bless Uncle John My Memories of you and Aunt Mary will Be with me forever
Carol Brouillette
February 28, 2016
John, Michael, Tom, Richard and families,
Sending love and prayers during this difficult time. I am grateful for so many memories with the entire Bessette family.
xo
Ed Cunningham
February 28, 2016
Our love and prayers to my cousins and their families. Love you and miss you. God bless you Uncle John.
February 28, 2016
Hello Bessete family I'm so sorry for the loss of your father I used to hang out with Tommy with John ALves and Janice Crawford Mike was a great athlete we played base ball and basket ball together at Cumberland Terrace I lived on Ann Street with my uncles family God bless you in this time of sadness John DAgostino
2012 NARVRE Celebration of John at K of C
Elaine Bronson
February 28, 2016
First, thanks to Sue Bergeron for letting me know of John's passing! I had just received a belated Christmas card from him last month and reflected with happiness and warmth as I read it. While working for the Railroad Retirement Board until 2012 when I transferred to Veterans Affairs, I had the immense pleasure and privilege of attending and speaking at many of the June NARVRE luncheon meetings over the years at the Knights of Columbus in North Providence. John was truly a warm, genuine and wonderful man who will be missed by all whose life he touched, including mine. My thoughts and prayers are with you his family and friends. May all of your wonderful memories of John give you comfort now and always. In love and prayer...
Brenda Tucker, née Voisard
February 28, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Bessette family; your wonderful Dad will be surely missed! You will find solace in the knowledge that he was such a great father to you guys, husband to your wonderful mother and caring person to everyone he knew!
I'm very grateful to have been a neighbor of John and the Bessette family.
Donald Bolton
February 28, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Bessette family,our thoughts are with you on this day of sadness, he was a great man & veteran,say hi to Tim & thankyou for your service,Don & Maria Bolton.
Debbie Bessette
February 28, 2016
Uncle John was a powerful force yet so sweet and gentle to me and my sisters. He and his brothers set the bar on how men should treat women. He revered Aunt Mary and she was a coiffed Queen to us. We nieces have treasured memories of our time with Uncle John, he made us feel special and loved. Although he was politically active with workers rights and a leader for so many, he seemed to prefer to boast about his family, his boys, their wives and children. Our most recent visit with Uncle John was as much fun and as special as when we were kids in Charlestown Beach. My husband didn't get to meet my father, but I am so grateful he spent time with Uncle John. Our deepest condolences, Debbie and Bob
Debbie Bessette
February 28, 2016
Uncle John was a powerful force yet so sweet and gentle to me and my sisters. He and his brothers set the bar high, on how men treat women. He revered Aunt Mary and she was a coiffed Queen to us. We nieces have treasured memories of our time with Uncle John, he made us feel special and loved. Although he was politically active with workers rights and a leader for so many, he seemed to prefer to boast about his family, the boys, their wives and children. Our most recent visit with him was as much fun and as special as when we were kids in Charlestown Beach. My husband didn't get to meet my father but I am so grateful he spent time with Uncle John. Our deepest condolences, Debbie and Bob
Mark Hodgkins
February 28, 2016
To the Bessette family, So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.
Mark Hodgkins
Mary Ellen Cunningham Smith
February 27, 2016
Uncle John you will always be in my heart. You and Aunt Mary were such a strong influence in my younger years. My condolences go out to all of the family. I hope you receive peace by knowing how many lives your farther has touched.
Paul Cunningham
February 27, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I always thought so fondly of Uncle John (and Aunt Mary). He was a person of kind heart and generous spirit. I will miss him as I know you will. You are not alone.
February 27, 2016
To the Bessette Family: I am sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Marcia Frizzell Verdoia.
Anne White
February 27, 2016
To John, Mike, Tom & Richard, We just learned of your Dad's passing,and are deeply saddened by your loss. Words cannot express the fond feelings and respect our family has for yours. Our childhoods were spent together and we have so many fond memories of those carefree days so long ago, of Tim and of your Mom & Dad. They are together once again...Good for them! The Messier family will keep the Bessette family in our thoughts and prayers, and will forever hold you in our hearts. With Sincerest Sympathy, The Messier family.
Charles Turner
February 27, 2016
To John Jr and ALL the Family Our prayers and thoughts are with you May your precious memories of a life well lived comfort you Our sincere condolences Elaine, Charlie Turner & Family
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