Richard A. Bessetti, age 78, of Wattsburg, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at his residence. He was born in Erie on April 28, 1939, the son of the late Thomas J. and Virginia H. Weber Bessetti.

Richard owned the Flying R. Riding Stables ad tack shop which he enjoyed for 45 plus years. He worked construction as a laborer for Local Union 603 for many years until retirement. He farmed as a hobby and enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren ride the horses. Richard enjoyed pulling his tack shop to the local fairs and socializing with friends every year for many years. He especially enjoyed the holiday seasons, doing all that he could to make them meaningful for his family and friends. Richard was a PA State Constable for over 30 years, and was a Venango Township Supervisor for 2 terms, 8 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son in infancy, Philip Bessetti; his two sisters, Patricia Swaney and Pearl Kosiorek; his brother, Thomas Bessetti; his sister-in-law, Barbara Bessetti; and his son-in-law, John Seelinger.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Longstreet Bessetti; his four children, Janice Seelinger, Rick Bessetti (Dawn), Randy Bessetti (Lisa Dewolf), and Jennifer Post (Duane), all of Wattsburg; his eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his one sister, Sandra Lowes (Thomas), of North East; five brothers, Ronald Bessetti (Sandra), of New Jersey, Gregory Bessetti (Becky), of Erie, Gordon Bessetti (Paula), of Wattsburg, Gary Bessetti (fiancé, Jackie), of Erie, and Arthur Bessetti, of North East; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Bessetti; his brother-in-law, Stanley Kosiorek; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd. on Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. until the time of funeral service there at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date in Lowville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family in c/o the funeral home.