David J. Bessette

David J. Bessette. 81, of Ludlow, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023.  Son of the late Clarence and Alice (Morneau) Bessette, he was born in Holyoke on January 31, 1942.  A graduate of Holyoke High School and Holyoke Community College, David also attended Western New England College.  He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  He went on to work in computer operations for Third National Bank for 9 years and Friendly Ice Cream Corp for 27 years.  David was an active and devout member of Christ the King Parish serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Collector, Lector and a past member of the Men’s Guild.

As a husband and proud father of three Eagle scouts, David was always busy driving his sons and their friends to various sports and scouting activities.  He would help in coaching and committee roles and took a very active part in their lives.  Each summer, Gloria and Dave packed up the kids and traveled to their favorite spots along the shore to fill up on seafood and enjoy the ocean.  Dave enjoyed golf, billiards, watching his favorite Red Sox teams win multiple World Series, occasional trips down to Connecticut for games of chance, dancing at his sons’ concerts, and an occasional Southern Comfort Manhattan toasted at sunset with his beautiful wife.

David is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Gloria (Dusza) Bessette of Ludlow; three sons Joseph Bessette (Sandra) of Westfield; Daniel Bessette (Merideth) of Springfield and Paul Bessette (Kristen) of Bolton.  He also leaves his five beloved grandchildren Andrew, Ava, Katelyn, Makayla and Beau.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Clarence Bessette Jr.

Visiting hours for David will be Monday, September 11, 2023 from 9:00-10:30 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Christ the King Church.  Rites of Committal with Military Honors will be at 1:00 PM at the Mass. Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Main St, Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers donations in David’s name may be made to the Christ the King Parish, 41 Warsaw Ave., Ludlow. MA 01056 or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or www.alz.org.