William Eli Bessette  (Bill)

April 4, 1947-December 26, 2022

Bill passed over to glory and is at peace with no more pain on Monday, December 26, 2022 about 9PM at UF Health Leesburg Hospital.   The Chaplain was praying over Bill and as he anointed Bill with oil, Bill passed away very peacefully.

At the age of 18 he was drafted in the Vietnam War. He wanted to serve even though he should have been rejected because of his blindness in one eye.  He served three years in the US Army as a lead convoy truck driver.  He was recognized for his dedication and quickly promoted to E5 ending his service with an Honorable Discharge.  Just as he skillfully outwit the testing to be accepted in the Army back then, he did the same presently by hiding the full extent of his illnesses. His death surprised us all.

Bill worked dedicatedly at many jobs throughout his life.  Most notably at Nabisco in Beacon, NY.  Metal Container in New Windsor, NY and ending as Business Owners with Iris of B Clean Laundromat and Apartments, New Windsor, NY.

Throughout his life he was an amazing, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He would show his kindness and patience when giving his advice and guiding us.  He loved to tell stories about all his life's experiences even though he repeated the stories, they never grew old.

Bill will always be remembered as a responsible, hard working, honest, loyal, loving, caring man of true integrity. He took pride in taking extra care of everything of value giving glory and thanks to God for every type of blessing.

Bill the youngest of six children was predeceased by his parents Guy and Freda (Pollard) Bessette.  Also, his siblings; Kelly, Guy Jr, Gloria, Beverly and Barbara.   Bill leaves behind his wife Iris 'the love of his life'(as he would always say). He is also survived by his four daughters. Wendy (husband Michael) Leombruno, Liza Campiz, Annette Campiz Estela, Natalie Bessette and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be a Memorial Service at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, at 1350 E Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, Fl 32778 from 10AM to 12 Noon on Friday, January 20, 2023.  His Burial will follow at a US Veterans Affairs Administration Cemetery. There will be an informal private gathering at his home to honor Bill and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Bill's memory to your local Animal Shelter of choice. Because of his love for animals