Donald J. Bessette, age 92, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2014 at Westerly Hospital. Born in Pawtucket to Joseph and Evangeline (Otto) Bessette, he lived in Rhode Island most of his life, later residing in Vero Beach, Florida.

Donald was employed 38 years as an engineer and staff manager for the New England Telephone Company (now Verizon), and was assigned to teaching research and development positions at the AT&T Bell Laboratories domestic and international. He attended the University Of Rhode Island in the Business Administration program.

A proud World War II veteran, he served in the United States Coast Guard in the European Theatre of Operations after completing training in communications at the Radio Man School COTS, New Jersey. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and the Telephone Company Pioneers. A communicant of the Holy Cross Catholic Church, he volunteered over the years in local hospitals and the Meals On Wheels Program.

Donald founded the first little league in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. His hobbies including sailing, golf and photography but he most enjoyed spending time with his loving family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Loretta N. Bessette, three daughters, Susan Petrie, Jane Bessette, and Linda Anne Bessette, three grandchildren Brett Petrie, Kyle Petrie, and Tara Jane Bessette, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his late wife of thirty years Jane McKnight Bessette and siblings Mary Boldt, Donalda White, Claire Drainville and Paul Bessette.

A funeral and Catholic Mass will be held at Saint Romuald Chapel, 61 Atlantic Avenue, Matunuck, Rhode Island at 10:00am on Thursday, October 2, 2014. Burial services immediately to follow at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, Rhode Island. A celebration of his life will be held directly following the Cemetery Services at the Helen Bouchard Hall which is directly below Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Wakefield, Rhode Island.

Donations would be deeply appreciated, in memory of Donald, to the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States, PO Box 1069, Sherburneny, New York 13460.

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J F Skeffington Funeral Home
925 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
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