We mournfully announce the passing of Peter Matthew Bessey, 50, on November 4th in Severn, MD. Peter, born to Mary Ellen Taylor and Ronald Bessey on March 21, 1972, was a skilled craftsman with an unparalleled work ethic. Peter worked for Brodeur-Campbell Fence Company of Springfield, MA for 33 years and was an accomplished mixed-materials artist.
Peter was one in a million - generous and empathetic, kind to everyone he met, and an animal lover who shared a special bond with his rescue cat, Handsome Gentleman. Peter was extremely intelligent and creative, possessing a unique personal style and lively sense of humor that elevated silliness to an art form. A thrift shop connoisseur who loved to gift others with his finds, Peter’s many passions also included snowboarding, movies, live theater, card games, cooking, and an appreciation of art in all its forms.
Peter lived a vibrant life filled with love and was surrounded by innumerable family members and friends who meant more to him than words can express. He is predeceased by his parents as well as his grandparents, John Bessey, Sr and Evangeline Bessey, and Robert Taylor and Margaret (Taylor) Savage; his uncles John Bessey, Robert Taylor, Jr, James Taylor, Gary Taylor, and Alan DeCosta, and his aunt, Brenda Nafie.
Peter is survived by his sister, Jessica Andia, and niece Sophia; uncle Richard Bessey and his wife Ann; six aunts including Harriet Bessey, Gayle Winiewski and her husband Ben, Delia Vogel and her husband Richard, Anna DeCosta, Rebecca Barnes and her husband Richard, and Dianne Accomando and her husband Frank; many cousins who loved him like a brother, including Charlene Alvarado, Ray Bessey, Doreen Robbins, Melissa Ablavsky, James Bessey, Richard Bessey, Holly Bessey, Tonya Strong, Luke Wisniewski, Jennifer Wisniewski, Carl Vogel, Anthony Vogel, Erica Baez, Christina DeCosta, Tad Bologna, Morgan Taylor and Seth Taylor. He is also survived by his best friend, Mike Ribeiro, and Mike’s wife Jennifer, of Springfield, and his life companion, Lauren Poliak, of Boston.
Calling hours for all family and friends will be held at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. A private mass will take place in January at Saint James Episcopal Church in New London, CT. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.