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- The Brattleboro Reformer, 23 Nov 2009
Leo J. Bessette Sr.
1928 - 2009 ORANGE Leo J. Bessette Sr., 81, of 145 Fairman Rd. passed away Friday night, Nov. 20 in the company of his loving companion, Ellie Plant, following an illness.
Born in Brattleboro, Vt., on July 7, 1928, son of the late Alfred and Beatrice Monmaney Bessette, he attended school at St. Joseph's in Burlington, Vt., and St. Michael's in Brattleboro, Vt.
At age 16, he went to work for the Central Vermont Railroad in Brattleboro and became Section Foreman of the Southern Division, transferring to Belchertown in 1949.
Leo's employment with CVRR was interrupted when he joined the Army on May 23, 1951, and served in the 987th AFABN during the Korean Conflict. Leo was honorably discharged on Feb. 23, 1953, and returned to the CV Railroad for 33 years, retiring in 1977.
Shortly before retiring, he bought the former Frank's Café on South Main St., Orange, and he and his wife, Rena, operated the business under the name "Rusty Rail" from 1977 until they sold it in 1986.
Leo and his family lived in Belchertown until 1962, when they moved to Orange where he built a home on Lake Mattawa. He and his family and friends enjoyed many good times at the lake, especially waterskiing, and Leo enjoyed teaching 32 people to waterski. Memories of all those good times have always remained dear to Leo's heart.
Throughout the years, he built four other homes in the Lake Mattawa area, and he enjoyed the hard work of preparing rough land into building lots, an area affectionately referred to by family and friends as "Leoland."
He was a member of American Legion Post #172 in Orange, a lifetime member of the Wheelerville Community Club in Orange, and the VFW Post in Belchertown. Leo also was a member of the CVRR Veterans' Association, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, and the Orange Senior Center. He enjoyed trips with the seniors down to Foxwood's occasionally.
He leaves children, Francis D. King III, Kevin Bessette and his wife, Elaine, Robert Bessette, Sr., and Donna Bessette Ryder; seven grandchildren, Robert Jr. and Kyle Bessette, Kelly and Courtney Ryder, Sandrah King Fager, Francis D. King IV, and Alison King; eight great-grandchildren, Skyleigh and Kendra Ryder, Patrick, Eric, Rory, and Molly Fager, Ayla King, and Aiden King; a sister, Beatrice Lewis of Williamstown, Vt.; and his beloved companion, Ellie Plant of Orange.
Leo was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Rena Dodge King Bessette, son Joey, and a daughter-in-law, Charlene King.
FUNERAL NOTICE: There will be a calling hour from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, at WITTY'S FUNERAL HOME, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A memorial service, with military honors, will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, at the funeral home, with Fr. William Lunney of St. Mary's Church in Orange officiating.
Interment in South Cemetery, Orange, will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301.
Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.
Guest book and directions are available at www.wittyfuneralhome.com.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1928 - 2009 (80 years)