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John Bessler

12/10/2017

John Bessler, 87, of Warwick N.Y. went to be with the Lord peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, December 10, 2017. He was born on January 18, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY, son of Anna and Adam E. Bessler. He married Eleanor Nichols on Sept. 8, 1951 at St. Bridget's in Ridgewood, NY.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Eleanor, his seven children: John and wife Lydia, Robert and fiance Sharon, Thomas and wife Laura, Christopher and wife Leslie, Paul and wife Patricia, Eleanor and husband Steven, and Michael and wife Nancy, as well as his seventeen grandchildren: Robert and Brenna, Christina and Richard, Danny and Melissa, Brian, Rachael, Theresa and Frankie, Matthew, Paul, Douglas and Miriam, Jessica, Samantha, Saffron, Alexandra, Michael, Cameron, Natalie and Nicole, his two great-grandchildren: Bryant and Mason; his nephew Anthony Portal and wife Margaret, and his dog and pal Penny “from Heaven.”

John graduated from St. John's University with BBA (business) and in 1967 his MBA (economics) each with honors. He was a member of both the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society and Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Societies. He later taught economics at St. John's University as an adjunct professor.

John began his working career in 1945 as an apprentice pharmacist. After graduating from Richmond Hill High School he worked at Equitable Insurance Co and Bankers Trust before entering the United States Army in 1951. He served in the Korean War from 1951 - 1953 as a member of the Fighting Thunderbirds 45th infantry division. Upon returning from Korea, he began his 36 year career at Chase Manhattan Bank where he retired in 1990 as Vice President.

John was an active member of both Holy Child Parish in Staten Island for 15 years and Saint Stephens Church in Warwick for 37 years and served as cantor throughout that time. His voice was truly a gift from God and he loved to sing, especially at his children's weddings.

He was an avid camper, hiker and runner, placing 3rd walker in the New York State Marathon. He also loved boating and had boats most of his adult life. In his earlier years, he performed in some theater productions as well. He loved to read and discuss politics. He cherished his wife, was always there for his family and friends, and he loved the Lord with all his heart. He will be missed dearly by all.

Visitation will be on Friday, December 15th,from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm and on Saturday, December 16th at 9:30 am at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 16th, at St. Stephens Church in Warwick N.Y. with burial at Warwick Cemetery.

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I first met John when I was only 19 or 20 years old in the Pension Trust Dept. at Chase. He worked there with my first husband Neal Hart. As Neal and I were married, John, Ellie, and all the Bessler children became dear and much loved friends. For many years we got together twice a year. John was one of the best people I have ever known. His kindness and compassion were unmatched by anybody else I can think of. I will never forget how caring, kind and generous he was to Neal during his horrific mental breakdown, including the Memorial mass he had said on Neal's behalf a while after his death. My husband Walter and I were honored to be invited to John and Ellie's 50th wedding anniversary celebration, which was the last time I ever saw John. I grieve his loss from this earth, but his memory will always be alive in me. Goodbye dearest friend - you will be missed. Love to you Ellie and all of the children, daughter-in-laws, son-in-laws, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Fran Basch

Frances Basch
12/15/2017

Though I didn't know John personally, His beautiful voice will always be remembered by the parishioners of St. Stephens Church. With sympathy, a former Warwick resident

; Dianne Buturla
12/13/2017

Sincere condolences to the entire Bessler Family. May his memories live on through you all...xo

Debbie Rodgers
12/12/2017

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Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated . Your services to George and our family were above and beyond our expectations. Thank you never seems sufficient when the situation appears and is often overwhelming. Your concern for us and our guests will never be forgotten.

... throughout these back to back losses, your gracious concern and professionalism made the time special.

.. not only are you the best - but the town / village of Warwick respects you very much. All with good reason.

I just wanted to thank you and your staff for making Mom’s Memorial Service a success. We appreciate your professionalism and attention to detail.

I believe Mom would have been very pleased with the whole production. Thanks again for making Mom’s day a special memory for our family and friends.

Thank you for all your kindness, compassion and walking me through this very difficult journey with ease. The services were perfect and beautiful because of you. You are very special people and I will never forget you.