A. J. Bessolo

AJ Bessolo, 87, of Michigamme, MI and longtime resident of Negaunee died at 8:02am on Monday, September 1 at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay in St Petersburg, FL. AJ was born November 4, 1926 in Negaunee, MI to Italian immigrants Joseph and Teresa (Grassino) Bessolo, where he spent much of his childhood on the shores of Teal Lake. He attended St Paul's Catholic School and graduated in 1944. He enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII from 1944 to 1946. He continued his service in the US Naval Reserve during the Korean Conflict until he was honorably discharged as a Machinist's Mate, Third Class in 1952. During his tenure in the Navy, he served aboard the USS Kennebago and USS Burdo and was awarded the World War II Victory and Asiatic Pacific Campaign medals. In 1946, AJ started his professional career with the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, where he held positions as construction lineman, telephone and PBX installer/repairman, and achieved a position of Regional Manager responsible for all corporate facilities across northern Michigan. He retired in 1983 from Ameritech Corporation after 37 years in the telecommunications industry. AJ enjoyed a successful second career as a real estate developer, builder, and construction consultant. He developed, built, and sold various properties in and around the Negaunee area including land parcels, rental properties, and three residences. He was a realtor for Coldwell Banker in Marquette, MI in 1985-86, served as a construction consultant for his son's architectural firm, Bessolo Design Group in St Petersburg, FL from 1995-2005, and was instrumental in building his sons' homes in MA and FL. AJ was an active member of St Paul's Catholic Church and school system, where he served as the first Eucharistic minister of the parish. He held positions of Home and School Club President, President and Charter Member of both the Parish Council and School Board, and Chairman of the Negaunee City Planning Commission. He was also an active member of the Negaunee Public School Land Committee, Negaunee Civic Association, and Lion's Club. In his retirement, he served as President of the Sunset Reef Homeowner's Association in Redington Shores, FL. During his retirement years, AJ and his loving spouse of 63 years, Florence, experienced many opportunities to travel and resided in various locations including Arizona, New England, Florida, and Michigan. For the past several years, they have enjoyed the "snowbird" lifestyle, wintering on the Gulf Coast of Florida and spending summers at their residence on Lake Michigamme. AJ is survived by his spouse, Florence (Paris), son Jeffrey (Susan) of Groton, MA, daughter Lori (Joseph) Hymes of Ann Arbor, MI, and son Kevin (Mardi) Bessolo of St Pete Beach, FL. He was a loving grandfather to 6 grandchildren, including Andrew and Jenna Bessolo, Tony (Magali), Mark, and Michael Hymes, and Giovanna Bessolo. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Donna (Ron) Ostrowski of Wauwatosa, WI and brother-in-law, John (Nancy, deceased) Paris of Princeton, MI, as well as several nieces, nephews, and many treasured friends. AJ was preceded in death by his brother, John "Snowball" Bessolo in 1988 and sister, Lucy Beard in 2000. Cremation arrangements will be handled by the Anderson McQueen Funeral Home in St Petersburg, FL, and a memorial service will be held for family and friends at the Koskey Funeral Home in Negaunee, MI at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at the online guestbook at www.andersonmcqueen.com and www.koskeyfuneralhome.com.