Richard E.Â Â Â Besse, Sr

By MELISSA MASON

Published: Jun 14, 2000 12:00 am

Richard E. Besse, Sr, 62, of Bridgeport, a crossing guard for the City of Bridgeport, died June 12 in Bridgeport Hospital.

He was the brother of Robert Besse and Helen Besse of Newtown.

Born in Providence, R.I., he was the son of the late Daniel and Mary Besse, and was a Bridgeport resident most of his life.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Angelina (Merola) Besse; one son, Richard E. Besse, Jr, of West Haven; one daughter, Kym Ashley of Bridgeport; two grandchildren, Johnathan and Vanna Ashley; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Walter and Elmer Besse, and one sister, Wanda Smith.

Friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Friday, June 16, at 10 am in the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home, 559 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Interment will be in the Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield.

Â Calling hours were scheduled for Thursday, June 15, from 4 to 8 pm in the funeral home.

The Newtown BeeÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â June 16, 2000

The Voters Chose Newtown

The Plastic Problem

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Elizabeth Annett (July 31, 1943-April 26, 2025)

Making America: The Story Of An Immigrant

Snapshot: Andy Ashla

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

<< Apr 2025 >>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
30	31	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	1	2	3

Log In

Richard E.Â Â Â Besse, Sr

Leave a Reply Cancel reply