Chester E. Bessey

Today we celebrate my father-in-law, Chester Everett Bessey. And it's awesome that it's this time of year because I spent the best Christmas' of my adult life with Dave, Chet and my mother-in-law Irene and of course our son David.

They would have been married 66 years on March 14th, 2025. That's quite an accomplishment. They met when Chet was in the Air Force overseas and Irene was traveling on an extended vacation. They married in Toronto, Ontario, Irene's hometown.

Chet was born in Maine. He grew up with a sister, Mona, and was raised by his mom after his dad passed away. Saying he was a caregiver at a very young age is an understatement. He was the kind of guy who sent money home to help his Mom when he went into the Air Force, moving away, and then continued helping his sister through the years. Chet is predeceased by his sister, his niece Bonnie, and his oldest nephew, Richard. Nephew Brian Potter (Darlene), their three children, and nephew Richard's four children, along with their children, all continue to live in Maine.

They lived in Rome, NY, my hometown, where Dave and I met and married 40 years ago. They had decades of Saturday night dinners and game nights with long-time friends Jim and Joan Williams. Their son Jimmy (Karen) and daughter Brianna (Mark) have been lifelong friends with Dave.

Chet retired from the Air Force and then from the US Postal Service, Utica location. Then continued to enjoy grooming and walking his various dogs until he simply wasn't able to do the task anymore. Backyard gardening was a passion at their home in Rome.

He had a very special bond with our son David from the time he was a baby and we could barely stop the car before he was taking him out of his car seat, coming to Conklin to support him watching sports, having calls with David when he was walking across campus in college, to being so excited when he got to meet his great granddaughter Elaina (9) and great grandson William (5). His smile could light up the room during visits.

Chet is predeceased by two brothers-in-law, Nelson (Joan) and Harold (Peg), and a sister-in-law, Evelyn. Two nieces, Gail and Linda, and a great niece, Rachelle (great-great niece and nephews), and great nephew Jeremy (two great-great nephews), all living in Canada.

Dad, you'll be missed more than you know. I love letting people know that I'm the luckiest daughter-in-law, as I absolutely love my in-laws. You're at peace, and we will continue to celebrate you. On your 90th birthday, July 14th, 2025, we will have a toast and share great memories. Enjoy a cup of tea with your sister- and brother-in-law Nelson - have fun getting reacquainted with all your past dogs, and enjoy some pain-free walks with them. We'll watch over Mom until you two can be together again. Until we meet again, my friend...

To share a memory of Chet or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.