David E. Bessette

David E. Bessette, 83, of North Smithfield, passed away June 6, 2025 peacefully at home. He was the husband of fifty-nine years of Norma (Antocicco) Bessette. Born in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late Emile Bessette and Beatrice (Cyr) Fowler, and stepson of the late Blanche (Baril) Bessette.

Mr. Bessette was a state wrestling champion while at Cranston High School. After graduation, David joined the United States Navy, where he served in the engine room of the USS Sea Robin (SS-407). Once David completed his service with the Navy, he married his high school sweetheart, Norma. The two designed and built their home together in North Smithfield, where they have lived ever since. He was Master of the Union Grange in Slatersville. David and Norma were also past members of the Rhode Island Yacht Club and own a beach home at Roy Carpenter's Beach.

Mr. Bessette was a jack-of-all trades and started his own businesses, Quaker Service Center and Quaker Driving Range in Uxbridge, MA. He also built the Dance Spectrum that was operated by his wife and daughters. David was a hard and tireless worker, but above all else, was his love and devotion to his family.

Along with his wife, Norma, he is survived by their daughters, Lynne Gilbody and her husband, Joseph, of North Smithfield, and Lauren Reilly and her husband, Christopher, of Millville; four grandchildren, Gabriella Stelle and her husband, Jason, Maximillian Calise and his wife, Cailee, Cameron Reilly and his fiancé, Brenna Manning, and Griffin Reilly and his fiancé, Allison Caravella; five great grandchildren, Greyson and Zoe Stelle, and Amalia, Lucca, and Roman Calise. He had sixteen brothers and sisters. His beloved dog, Sal was always by his side. His family was comforted when he wrote these final words, "When I die, if there is no Heaven I won, because I had a great life. If there is a Heaven, I double-won. Life is a gift, I am lucky to have a great wife."

Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to HopeHealth, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

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