Gerard E. Bessette

Gerard E. Bessette, 83, of Hamden, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 5th with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 55 years on July 6th 2023 to Roberta J. Russo Bessette. Gerard was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on November 13th, 1939, and was the son of the late Ernest and Rhea Couture Bessette. He served his country faithfully in the US Navy during the Vietnam era. Gerard was a graduate of Coyne Tech in Boston and had worked as a senior supervisor for Avco Lycoming of Stratford for over 30 years until his retirement. Excellent in his field, after retirement Gerard engaged in many private contract jobs with various organizations including the US military. An avid skier, Gerard was a member of the Mount Laurel Ski Club. He also enjoyed kayaking, was a member of the Owenego Beach & Tennis Club of Branford and a member of the Hamden Knights of Columbus. Father of Christopher Anthony Bessette and Michael Gerard Bessette (Rachael). Grandfather of Aiden, William and Phillip Bessette. Brother of Albert Bessette ( Joan), Priscilla Boyce and the late Joseph, George and Paul Bessette, Annette Slatenhofen, Claire Gladu and Cecile Patryn. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The visiting hours will be Tuesday, July 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Havens North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Paul VI Parish at St. Rita’s Church, 1620 Whitney Avenue, Hamden to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12th and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in the All-Saints Mausoleum with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. www.northhavenfuneral.com