John E. Bessette Jr., 76, of Cumberland, passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2026. John was a devoted family man, a generous neighbor, and a pillar of his community whose warmth and commitment to others left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

The son of the late John and Mary (Cunningham) Bessette, he was born in Providence on December 5, 1949 and grew up to call Cumberland his lifelong home. A graduate of Roger Williams University, John built his life on the foundations of education, integrity, and service. He learned the value of hard work early on, working alongside his father and uncles at Bessette Hardware in Lincoln, where he developed the guiding principles he carried throughout his life: building lasting relationships, treating every person with respect and honesty, and going the extra mile for the people who counted on him.

John's natural ability to connect with people led him to a rewarding career in sales, and in 2002 he found his true calling in real estate. What followed were years of success built on genuine care and tireless dedication, earning the trust and loyalty of clients who came back to him time and again. He was honored multiple times with the Five Star Real Estate Agent Award for outstanding service and client satisfaction — a reflection not just of his skill, but of the lasting relationships he built along the way.

John seemed to know everyone in Cumberland — and anyone who met him quickly understood why. He had a smile for every face and a joke for every occasion, the kind of man who could light up a room and make a stranger feel like an old friend within minutes. His warmth was genuine, his humor was infectious, and he will be deeply missed.

John gave back to his community in countless ways. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph's Church, where he served the parish as a Eucharistic Minister. He also served on the Cumberland Democratic Town Committee and the Cumberland Zoning Board, lending his voice and judgment to the betterment of the town he loved. He coached girls softball and basketball, and was proud to spearhead a charity softball game that raised funds for a scoreboard at the Cumberland Lincoln Boys Club gymnasium. He served on the Phase 1 committee of the school bond referendum that brought B.F. Norton Elementary School to life, and raised funds for Cumberlandfest — always finding new ways to invest in the place he called home.

Above all, John loved his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Debra J. (Sabourin) Bessette. John met Debra in 1976 and the two shared 45 beautiful years of marriage. They loved nothing more than traveling together and being grandparents, creating memories that their family will treasure forever. Now reunited, they are home together again.

He is survived by his children: Ashley Bessette and her husband Scott Veloso of Cumberland; Amanda Bessette and her husband Roger Gastman of Los Angeles, CA; and Scott B. Pelletier and his wife Melissa Day Pelletier of North Smithfield. He was a proud and adoring grandfather to his four grandchildren, Shawn, Aubrey, Logan, and Rowan, who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his brothers: Michael Bessette and his wife Lauren Williams of Charlestown; Thomas Bessette and his wife Susan of Fairhaven, MA; and Richard Bessette and his wife Lisa of Cumberland. He was preceded in death by his brother Timothy Bessette. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law Cheryl King and her husband Paul of Cumberland, Madelyn Crosby and her husband Richard of Texas, Jane Sabourin of Lincoln and Dori Sabourin of Florida as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited ot John's Life Celebration to be held with Visiting Hours on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 5 to 8 PM and continue on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 10AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM in the Historic St. Joseph Church, Cumberland. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Hotel for Homeless Dogs in Cumberland.