Bassett Family Association Database

Robert Bernard Bessette

Male 1931 - 2019  (87 years)


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  • Name Robert Bernard Bessette 
    Born 31 Oct 1931  Vermont Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died 13 Aug 2019  Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 
    • The Burlington Pree Press, August 16, 2019
      Robert Bernard Bessette Sr. (Picture included)
      1931 ? 2019

      - - Loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. Loved his family, friends, his home and Vermont. Died at home, surrounded by his family, on August 13, 2019.

      The son of Mildred (Clarke) and Theodore Bessette, he was born in Burlington on October 31, 1931, always making Halloween extra special for his family.

      Bob spent his early years in the south end of Burlington, often recounting fond memories of his many adventures growing up there. He graduated from Burlington High School, Class of 1950. He was a Korean war-era Army veteran, enlisting in 1952 and serving in Okinawa, Japan.

      On August 16, 1952 he married the love of his life Helen (Payea) Bessette. Traveling, dancing, the races at Saratoga, casinos, or just a picnic on the waterfront, they truly enjoyed being together, especially when surrounded by family and friends.

      His love of nature and particularly the natural beauty of Vermont, began at a young age when he would hunt and fish with his father, brother and friends. He had a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing and the outdoors and passed this along to his children and many of his friends. He was hunting during the 2018 deer season (bow, rifle and muzzleloader) spending many hours in the woods the week before he became ill. Playing golf and following the Red Sox were also lifelong interests.

      Bob worked at General Electric in Burlington for many years before moving to a career in corrections with the State of Vermont. "Sparky" retired from CCCC in 1990 after 20 years of service.

      In addition to his loving wife Helen, Bob is survived by his daughters, Julie Giguere and her husband Alan and Suellen Bessette all of Burlington; his sons, Timothy of Milton, Jay and Jon of Burlington and Bradley and his wife Shelley of Barre; his seven grandchildren, Shelby Jors and her husband, Charlie of Seattle, WA; Darren Giguere, Justin Boucher, Abaigeal Lundy, Trevor and Kyle Bessette, and Brandon Ha Bessette, and his two great-grandchildren Brolin and Josephine Jors. Dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, Bob shared a special and unique relationship with each of us.

      Bob was predeceased by his parents; his three siblings, Ted, Katherine and Norma; his infant daughter Kathy Jean and his beloved son Robert (Bobby) Jr.

      Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the compassionate and caring staff of the UVM Home Health and Hospice and to the friends who made it possible for us to fulfill dad's wish of being at home throughout his illness. Please consider a memorial donation to UVM Home Health and Hospice.

      There will be no visitation. Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

      Arrangements are in the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County, a division of Ready Family, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington. To send online condolences, please visit www.creamtionssocietycc.com.

    Person ID I19124  14B Jean Besset of Quebec
    Last Modified 19 Aug 2019 

    Father Theodore Edmond Bessette,   b. 6 May 1897, Essex Junction, Vermont Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 27 May 1974, Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 77 years) 
    Mother Mildred Julia Clarke,   b. 1898,   d. 1981  (Age 83 years) 
    Family ID F7049  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Helen Loretta Payea 
    Children 
     1. Robert Bernard Bessette,   b. 1953,   d. 1988  (Age 35 years)
     2. Kathy Jean Bessette,   b. 1957,   d. 1957  (Age 0 years)
     3. Living
    Last Modified 19 Aug 2019 
    Family ID F7050  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart