Obituary of Adrian Joseph Bessette

Adrian "Buzz" Joseph Bessette, 86, of Maple Lane, Thompson, died Sunday, August 2, 2009 at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Viola (Beausoleil) Bessette, they were united in marriage September 5th, 1949, she died October 13, 1995. He was born September 13, 1922 in Providence, RI son of the late Joseph and Blanche (Cote) Bessette.

He was sergeant in the Army Air Corp during WWII He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, and the Victory Medal WWII. He made his home in the Thompson and Grosvenordale area all his life. He was a communicant of ST Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, he played semi-pro baseball and played against Joe DiMaggio in Williams Field in Tempe, AZ, an avid golfer and longstanding member of Quinitisset Country Club and played for Webster Colonials Football Team as a young man.. He worked as a screw machine operator for Kramer in Old Saybrook for 35 years. After retiring at the age of 65 he worked for Conntrol in Putnam. He was a member of American Legion Post 67 and served as past commander.

He leaves his daughter Pamela Bessette and her husband David Kanter of Thompson, siblings Rita Johnsen of N. Fort Meyers, FL. George and his wife Barbara of Fall River, MA, Richard and his companion Mary D'Anna of Cape Coral, FL, Claire ST Jean and her husband Jerry of Putnam, Alice Coderre of Putnam, many nieces and nephews, two special people Zachary and Lauren Putnam of Thompson.

Funeral Service will be Thursday August 6, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam followe by burial with Military Honors in ST Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Calling Hours will be 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Community Ambulance Fund, N. Grosvenordale, CT or the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Athletic Fund, N. Grosvenordale. To share a memory with his family Light a Candle at www.smithandwalkerfh.com