Bernard Jules Bessette

Bernard “Bernie” Jules Bessette, 77, of Aiken, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025. Born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, he was the son of the late Roger Leonard and Theresa LaRose Bessette.

Bernie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and found his greatest joy in his family, guiding them with patience, kindness, and quiet wisdom. His faith was the cornerstone of his life. As a long-time member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, he taught religion, served as a Secular Franciscan minister for many years, and proudly upheld his role as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He especially treasured his family’s connection to St. André Bessette, whose statue stands outside Old St. Mary’s Church in Aiken, SC. Bernie embodied what St. André lived and modeled throughout his life and the statue stands as a reminder of the faith he lived each day.

Curious and endlessly inquisitive, Bernie approached life with determination and optimism. Even after a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, he researched ways to improve his own life and help others. His problem-solving skills and creativity led him to earn a patent for a cutting tool inspired by his experiences with Parkinson’s. Whether studying new ideas or tinkering in his workshop, Bernie’s intellect touched everything he did. He met each day with a smile, steady faith, and quiet resilience that inspired everyone around him.

Bernie's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. He found delight in woodworking, singing and playing guitar, fishing, golfing, and embracing the outdoors. Family camping trips, full of fun and laughter, stood out as some of his happiest times. Through all these passions, his love of learning and exploring the world was ever present, shaping the life he shared with family and friends. His dedication to service as a Boy Scout leader and a United States Navy veteran reflected the same care and integrity he brought to every part of his life.

To know Bernie was to know kindness, humor, and grace. He loved deeply, lived fully, and left a lasting legacy of faith, courage, and compassion. His intelligence and curiosity enriched every life he touched, and his presence was a gift that will continue to inspire his family for generations.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ann Marie Bessette; children, Andrea Clutts (Jasen), Karen Henderson (Jay), Joseph Bessette (Jessica), and Theresa Leonardi (John Joseph III); and his beloved grandchildren, Samuel, Greta, Sawyer, Shepherd, Julia, Jordan, and John Joseph IV. Also surviving are his brothers, Ronald Bessette (Sherry), Dennis Bessette (Bernadette), Jeffrey Bessette, and his sister, Carol Zuccaro (the late Edward). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Reginald Bessette.

A Requiem Mass in celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7th at Old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church on Park Avenue. Visitation for family and friends will take place on Thursday, November 6th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Aiken Chapel, 211 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801, with a brief prayer service at 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts in his memory be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (bit.ly/mjfox-berniebessette) or to the Knights of Columbus (www.kofc.org/secure/en/donate/index.html), both of which were causes close to his heart.