Richard J. Besse 1932 to 2020

He was born Feb. 6, 1932, in Leon, N.Y., to the late Irene Besse.

Richard served in the the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was married to the late Barbara Tingue for 54 years.

Richard worked for the town of Cherry Creek plowing snow, owned the Cherry Creek restaurant, worked for Malabar Construction and retired as a locksmith at Collins Correctional facility.

He was a lifetime member of the Cherry Creek Fire Department, a charter/life member of the Pine Valley Vets Association, a member of the South Dayton American Legion and a member of the Pine Valley Pool League. He was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed spending time with his dog, Rusty and love being with family and friends.

He is survived by his children: Linda Besse and Deborah (Dan) Ostrom; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Besse; grandchildren: Christopher Cooper, Frank (Ginger) Besse, Daniel Besse, Mellissa (Chris) Cooper, Tracy (Keith) Davis and Nicole Besse; and great-grandchildren: Ethan, Mia, Mattalyn and Salvatore.

Richard was preceded in death by his two sons: Thomas Besse and Richard Besse Jr.; and a granddaughter, Kerri Lynn Cooper

Relatives and friends may visit DiStasio Funeral Home, 478 Route 83 at Balcom Corners, South Dayton on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., where a funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Cherry Creek Central Cemetery.

Family suggests memorials to the Cherry Creek Fire Department. P.O. Box 204, Cherry Creek, NY 14723

Online condolences may be made at www.distasio funeralhome.com.