Andrew Bessette

Andrew A. Bessette, 92, of Fort Gratiot, passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021.

He was born February 23, 1929 in Colchester, Vermont to the late Adelard Bessette and Louise Garney. He married his soul mate Mary Alice Yells on August 11, 1956 in Geneva, New York who preceded him in death 10 months earlier on December 8, 2020.

Andrew served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Technical Sergeant. He was a veteran of the Korean War and was also stationed in Paris (spoke French fluently), Texas, Connecticut, Washington and New York. After the Air Force he was the building superintendent at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester NY. Andrew also first instituted the Employee Assistance Program at RIT and counseled many people after his second retirement from RIT in chemical dependency. He was known for his tremendous love of children, dogs, and had the ability to make friends in a grocery line. His never-ending smile, positive “worlds not going to fall apart” attitude and consistent thumbs up gestures always brightened the room. He and Mary Alice enjoyed traveling the world and with “oh Andy” there was always fun and adventure.

He is survived by his children, Mark (Rhonda) Bessette and Eric (Marlene) Bessette; grandchildren, Brandon (Emily) Bessette, Blake (Kathryn) Bessette, McKenzi (Garrett) Yerkey, A.J. Bessette, Danielle Bessette, Steven Potter, Joshua Potter and Hunter Potter; 12 great grandchildren; and many so loved nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Gilbert, Gilbertha, Gay, Noela, and Terri; and his step-father, Joe.

Services will be held in Spring 2022 at the Church of Transfiguration in Pittsford, New York.

Burial will be at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Romulus, New York.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Transfiguration.

Arrangements are by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com