ADAMS, Mass. — On Sunday, January 6, 2019, after a valiant battle with cancer, Thomas L. Bessette, beloved husband, dad, grampy and brother, passed into God's hands surrounded by his loving family. 

Tom was born in Adams on August 14, 1944, to the late Gerald and Geraldine (Kearns) Bessette. He devoted his life to raising and caring for his family. He retired after 26 years of service with the United States Army, the Army Reserves and the National Guard. For 29 years he was employed at WR Grace and later at BFAIR until illness forced his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and vacationing. He was also an avid reader with a passion for learning. His greatest joy was being with his granddaughters Mikaela and Miranda Sadlow.

He leaves his wife and best friend, Barbara DeCoigne Bessette, whom he married on July 17, 1965. He was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Trisha Lynn Bessette and Rebecca Bessette Sadlow; a son-in-law, Michael Sadlow; his brother David and sister-in-law Patricia Bessette and two nephews, Matthew and David Bessette, all of Malden, Mass.; and two nephews, Thomas and Michael Burdick.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Trisha Lynn Bessette; brother William “Mickey” Bessette; sister Carolyn Burdick; and stepfather Joseph Mahoney.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Western and Central Massachusetts and especially Linda Michaels-Negri, Kathy Sumner, Dominic Negri, Eleanor and Dennis for the loving care they provided.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at noon in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, McKinley Square, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Burial will be at a later date in the spring.

There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Parish of St. John Paul Charity Center or the Parish of St. John Paul Meals Ministry, both at P.O. Box 231, Adams, MA 01220. The Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, is in charge of arrangements.