Timothy Wilfred Bessette

Cary, NC – Timothy Wilfred Bessette, 74, beloved husband of Betty Ann Bessette—whom he met on a blind date at age 15 and who became his high school sweetheart—died on March 16, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. in Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC, surrounded by his family. As Tim entered into glory, the precious promise of his Savior was read to him: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” He now sees Jesus face to face.

Tim was born on February 29, 1952, in Chicago, IL, to the late George Laurent and Marie Rose Bessette (née Kasnie, later Clifford). He was educated at Wheaton High School, earned an associate’s degree, and studied architecture at the University of Chicago. He contributed to the early development of computer-aided design (CAD) software and worked as a steel structural engineer on major projects, including hospitals, airports, malls, sports arenas, and industrial and manufacturing facilities. He worked seamlessly with architects, engineers, general contractors, and subcontractors to get projects completed. Tim was also a licensed general contractor in several states—Illinois, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Virginia, and North Carolina. No project was too small or too large for him, and he was highly respected in his industry. He designed many houses, three of which he built by hand for his family, following the legacy of his father, who also built two houses with Tim’s assistance.

Tim served in the church as a deacon, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and assisted in disaster response efforts. He loved the church, men’s Bible study, and many friendships in and out of the church. Though he faced health challenges from the age of 40, he rarely complained and approached life with generosity, humor, and a willingness to help others. He was the kind of Christian that Christ calls us to be: humble, quiet, diligent, honest. He enjoyed radio-controlled airplanes, remodeling homes, sailing and boating, working on cars, making stained glass, Corvettes, and Star Trek. In his early 20s, he enjoyed motorcycles—particularly an orange 350cc Yamaha—which he later sold because Betty was not a fan.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of 53 years; his son and daughter-in-law, Casey and Jennifer (Veltkamp) Bessette, of Cary, NC; and his grandchildren Hannah, Josiah, Lydia, Simeon, Elijah, and Abigail. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Rick (Holly) Sall, Mike (Debbie) Sall, and Bryan (Marsha) Sall; and sisters-in-law Faye Bessette and Allyson (Jerry) Sweere; and many loving extended family members and dear friends.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gregory Bessette, and sister-in-law Susan Forsythe.

Visitation was held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Pilgrim Presbyterian Church (OPC), 5420 Ebenezer Church Rd., with Rev. Daniel Osborne and Rev. Douglas Withington officiating. The burial followed at Raleigh Memorial Park, Glenwood Ave., with a reception afterward in the church fellowship hall.

Serving as pallbearers are Mark Aurand, Miguel Flores, Justin Brown, Matthew Miner, William Cox, Bob Thebert, and Alan Carroll. The honorary pallbearer is Joe Jager.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Tim’s memory be made to Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, 5420 Ebenezer Church Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612.

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