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.