David J. Bessette

GARDNER – David J. Bessette, 67 of Gardner, was called to the kingdom of God on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.    David was born in Gardner on January 19, 1945, the son of the late James L. Bessette and Jennie (Sokolowski) Bessette of Gardner. He was raised and educated in Gardner and was a former Gardner High School Wildcat class of 1964. At G.H.S., he excelled in three sports: basketball, baseball and football. He was well known for his athleticism playing for the Gardner Panthers and Leominster Legion and he played football at Springfield College.   After graduating from Springfield, David was an assistant coach at Leominster High School. He then took a job teaching and was head football coach at Murdock High School. David later began a career in the Insurance industry working his way up to managing the Gardner office of MetLife. David wanted to make a difference in Gardner and was involved in politics. He represented Ward 1 for a number of years and was a member of the city council. David then moved to Maine where he managed a number of offices. Dave’s love for the beach brought him to Melbourne, Florida several years ago and when he became ill, he returned to Gardner to receive long term care at Spring Valley Rehab in Worcester.    In addition to his mother, David also leaves his brother, Jim Bessette and wife Linda of Fernandina Beach, Florida; a nephew, John Bessette and his family of Fitchburg, and a niece, Karen Valeri and family of Leominster.    A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, 358 Pleasant St., Gardner. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Gardner.     A calling hour will be held Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Poliks Funeral Home, 431 Pleasant Street, Gardner.     The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Spring Valley Rehab and Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester. $(document).ready(function(){ });