Bassett Family Association Database

John Edward Bessette

Male 1920 - 2016  (96 years)

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  • Name John Edward Bessette 
    Birth 1920  Rhode Island Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Death 24 Feb 2016 
    Notes 
    • The Providence Journal, Rhode Island, February 27, 2016
      John Edward Bessette Sr. (Picture included)

      BESSETTE, JOHN EDWARD SR. 96, of Ann St., passed away peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary E. (Cunningham) Bessette for whom he was married to for over 63 years. 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.
    Person ID I17153  14B Jean Besset of Quebec
    Last Modified 19 Apr 2017 

    Father Alfred Joseph Bessette,   b. 18 Dec 1886, Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island Find all individuals with events at this locationd. Jan 1978, Pawtucket, Providence County, Rhode Island Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 91 years) 
    Mother Mary V. Cavanaugh,   b. 1893, Massachusetts Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1954 (Age 61 years) 
    Family ID F6449  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Mary E. Cunningham,   b. 17 Jun 1921, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 20 Apr 2012 (Age 90 years) 
    Children 
     1. Timothy J. Bessette   d. 27 Oct 2001, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island Find all individuals with events at this location
     2. John E. Bessette, Jr.
     3. Michael Bessette
     4. Richard Bessette
     5. Thomas Bessette
    Family ID F6495  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 19 Apr 2017