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- The Republican, May 31, 2013
Norman E. Bessette
1936 – 2013
WEST SPRINGFIELD -Norman E. Bessette, 76, died Wednesday in a Holyoke nursing home surrounded by his family. He was born in Springfield son of the late Arthur and Jean Bessette. He grew up on "the Avenue" as one of the original "Rink Rats" and has lived in West Springfield most of his life. He was a retired greens keeper for Crestview Country Club and was a longtime youth hockey coach in town. In his later years he and his brother Bob loved nothing more than to watch his grandson play basketball. After retirement Norm lived in Port St. Lucie, FL, to be closer with his grandchildren for a few years and came back to West Springfield. He also owned a campsite in Brimfield, where he enjoyed fishing with his good friend Bill. Norm leaves two sons, Paul of West Springfield and Robert of Port St. Lucie, FL, two daughters Kelly Frenette of PA and Kimberly Bessette of PA a brother Bob Bessette of West Springfield and seven grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Donald. The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Tuesday at 11:00am followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 4-7 pm. For more details, please visit curranjones.com <http://curranjones.com/>. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to West Side family basketball at 108 Ely Street, West Springfield, MA 01089. Proceeds will go toward a yearly donation to The West Springfield Boys Basketball program with a focus on helping student athletes in financial need each year. Norm's greatest passion in the later years of his life was watching his grandson Paul Bessette do what he loves on the basketball court and helping many young athletes pursue their dreams.
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