NEW HAVEN — Earl Bessette, 89, of New Haven, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, at UVM/Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. He was born on May 31, 1930, in Charlotte, Vt., to Solon and Helen Fletcher Bessette.
He married his wife Raymonde on July 7, 1949, at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes.
Earl’s number one passion was the family farm, Elgin Spring Farm, where he lived and worked for 87 years of his life. He was active in the Town of New Haven, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the Historical Society and Beeman Alumni.
He is survived by his wife Raymonde and their children, Earlene Smith of East Middlebury, Diane Bolduc (Eugene) of Shoreham, Alan Bessette (Debra) of New Haven, Denise Martin (Ray) of New Haven, Edward Bessette (Melanie) of New Haven, Laurie Vincent (Brad) of New Haven, and Lisa Bessette (Helen Myhre) of New Haven; his sister Lois Zeno (Toby) of Monkton; 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Doris Godard and Eleanor Hawley, and his son-in-law Eddie Smith.
A funeral service for Earl will be held at St. Peter’s in Vergennes on Monday, Dec. 23, at 11 a.m., with Father Yvon Royer officiating. Pallbearers include Duane Bolduc, Chris Bessette, Amos Martin, Taylor Bessette, Logan Bessette and Dylan Stearns. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery on Town Hill Road in New Haven following the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Addison County Fair and Field Days Antique Barn – In Memory of Earl Bessette, c/o Earlene Smith, 400 East Main St., Middlebury, VT 05753.◊