Obituary of Joseph C. Bessette

Joseph C. Bessette, 68, of Utica passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Oneida Healthcare Center, Oneida, NY., surrounded by his loving family.

     He was born in Quantico, VA., on January 6, 1954, son of the late Albert J. and Georgiana M. (Guenette) Bessette.  He was educated at St. Peter’s Catholic School and then graduated from JFK.  On July 16, 1977 he was united in marriage to the former Floy M. DiNitto.  A blessed union of 45 years.  He was employed several years by Chanatry’s Hometown Market, MetLife and last as a customer service agent at APAC, Utica.

     Joseph was a life long member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.  As a boy he served as altar boy and as he got older became lector and later became eucharistic minister.

     Joseph enjoyed photography, collecting watches, coins, clocks, stamps, bird watching and all kinds of gardening.  He loved tropical fish and building his model trains.  But most of all was the love for his family which he cherished more than anything. 

     He is survived by his loving wife Floy, his two daughters Heather Blanchard (Joseph), SC, Heidi Ferdinand (Jeremy), Westmoreland, a son Joseph Bessette (Amanda Banas), Oneida, two sisters Susan Huntley (John), Vail, AZ., Patricia Learnard, Deerfield, a brother Michael Bessette (Terry), Hinckley, NY., five grandchildren Adrianna, Isabel, John Arabia, Josie Bessette, Ariana Ferdinand, a great grandson Chance Edwards, a life long childhood friend Steven Fortnam, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and several loveable K-9 companions.  He was predeceased by a brother Christopher T. Bessette.

     Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, September 30, 2022, from 5-7 PM at Heintz Funeral Services, Inc., 408 Herkimer Road, Utica, NY. 13502.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 10:00 AM from St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 422 Coventry Ave., Utica, NY. 13502.  He will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery on Oneida Street, Utica.

     Arrangements have been entrusted to Heintz Funeral Services, Inc. 408 Herkimer Road, Utica, NY. 13502.