Rickey Joe Bessett

On Sunday September 18, 2022 our sweet dad, beloved husband, brother, grandfather, and patriarch Rick Bessett passed away peacefully at his Cottonwood, Arizona home surrounded by family.

Rickey Joe Bessett was born in Long Beach, California on October 26, 1954 to Claudette “Joann”Rogers and Lawrence “Larry” Wilbur Bessett. He graduated from Marana High School in Tucson, Arizona in 1972, and attended the University of Arizona and Texas Tech University. He had a long and varied professional career which included service in the United States Army, plumbing for his family’s business, managing Laffs Comedy Club, restaurant management (notably The Arizona Inn, Westward Look, and Wingers in Tucson and Los Abrigados Resort in Sedona), then finally as the Director of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation of Yuma Proving Ground. It was Rick’s passion to take care of the soldiers and their families while they served our country. For all these different roles, Rick upheld an exemplary level of leadership and work ethic while cultivating a culture of lightness and fun.

In addition to his career, Rick was a 27 year friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob. His ability to meet people where they were without judgment and respond with honesty and vulnerability earned him countless lifelong friends and sponsees. He worked the steps and proudly remained active in the community until the end of his life.

For all his professional and personal accolades, Rick’s true joy was his family. On March 28, 1998, he married ReBecca, the love of his life, in a surprise ceremony that blended their two families together forever. This union laid a foundation for their children and grandchildren that centered the principles of love, humor, and honesty that will last generations.

Rick is survived by his wife, ReBecca Bessett; his children, Matthew and Chantel Parente, Elena Bessett, and Jillian and Paul Radek; his grandchildren, Angelique, Alaska, Arlo, Brooklyn, Greyson, and Miles; his fathers-in-law James William Simmons and Joe (Karen) Parente; his brother Rodney James (Betty) Bessett; and his sisters Coleen (Terry) Hoffman and Deborah Bessett. Plus many nieces and nephews and countless “framily” members. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Claudette Joann; his father, Lawrence Wilbur; his mother-in-law Eleanor Rose Simmons; and his brother, Randy John Bessett.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 in the gymnasium of St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N Camino Pío Décimo, Tucson, AZ 85715.

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