On Monday, August 20, John Bessolo, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away at the age of 85.  John was born on November 4, 1932, in Pittsburg, PA.  He graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans, where he met the love of his life , Gladys Grisamore.  They married in 1956 and , after a stint in the army, he took a job as an accountant with Esso (now Exxon).  A 34-year Exxon employee, he was promoted into management roles of increasing responsibility and was eventually transferred to Houston in 1976 , where he lived until his death.

John was a loving and devoted father.  Although he only had one older sister, he was fortunate to grow up among a large, closely knit extended family , and his love and appreciation of family values shines in how he strived to live his life . For starters, h e and Gladys accomplished the impressive task of raising four sons and two daughters . Although his job was demanding, he always managed to stay involved. John was also devoted to the church and his community and he was a lifelong volunteer for numerous charities and causes .

In 1995, John suffered the devastating experience of losing his wife, Gladys, to cancer.  They were just starting to enjoy a new, well-deserved chapter in their lives as empty nesters . One of their favorite pastimes was travel ing to new and exciting places. Despite this great loss , he immersed himself in the things he loved and valued, including friends and family, travel (road trips in particular), church and community service, reading, music and classic film.  The family road trips and beach vacations he continued to organize and participate in will long be remembered by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as some of the happiest times of their lives.

John was preceded in death by his wife Gladys in 1995 .  He is survived by his children, Sharon, Mary, John, David, Robert and William and his ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He will missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for John's church, Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Community ( https://cgsccdogh.org/online-giving-faithdirect ) , or to Northwest Assistance Ministries (namonline.org).