Gettysburg, PA – We’re sad to share the passing of Steven Joseph Bessette on November 9, 2023, with his family by his side, after struggling with several medical issues over the past year. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Joseph and Janine (Borkowski) Bessette.
Steve was an accomplished surrealist artist, influenced by Salvadore Dali, painting many amazing paintings, drawings, and personal greeting cards for family, friends, and co-workers over the years. He had a life-long passion for ancient history, military history specializing in the Civil War, and World Wars I and II, ancient and modern coins, archaeology, paleontology, antiquing, and a love of the macabre–especially H.P. Lovecraft.
Steve dreamed of living in Gettysburg, visiting many times since childhood. His dream was fulfilled when he and his wife, Monica, moved here thirteen years ago. He did a stint at Adams County Winery; drove the 1930s Historic Tours bus, touring the town and battlefield; was an integral member of Sleepy Hollow Ghost Tours, reliving history like no other and captivating his audience with his vast knowledge and story-telling abilities; and spent the last eight years in his dream profession of numismatist in a local coin shop.
Steve leaves his beloved wife Monica (McQuade) Bessette–together 49 years; his loving brother David Bessette, sister-in-law Lori Bessette, their 3 adult children Justin, Michael, and Shanna Bessette, and their five children. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Diane McQuade; brother-in-law, Bob McQuade and wife Diane; nieces Deanna Roy and daughter Jenna Roy, and Debra Fowler and husband Dave; cousins Jeni Ryan and daughter Mairead; life-long BFFs, Phil and Mary DiMaria; and members of Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, who will provide an honor guard at both Monahan Funeral Home and Evergreen Cemetery, where Steve will be laid to rest between his two heroic Gettysburg patriots, Virginia “Jennie” Wade and John Burns.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM from Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A viewing will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warriors or Tunnel to Towers. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
17
Nov
125 Carlisle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Service
17
Nov
125 Carlisle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Cemetery Details
Location
799 Baltimore St.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
