Beloved son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on March 31, 2026, at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT with his mother & sister, Lisa by his side. Jeff fought a courageous battle with cancer and pneumonia.

He spent his younger years in Danielson, CT before moving to the Mansfield area where he attended Mansfield Middle School and E.O. Smith High School. Following his graduation, he went on to a 31-year career at UCONN first in dining services followed by many years in landscaping. Jeff was an ardent Red Sox fan and also loved bingo, slots & UCONN Basketball. Jeffrey leaves behind his mother, Janet Bessette, his sister, Lisa & husband Jeff, nephew Nathan & his wife Samantha, nephew, Matthew and great nephew Dean. He also leaves behind his aunts and uncles, Cathy and Julie LaCombe, Shirley Hart, Mary and Bill Bessette, Emily and her husband Frank, and his uncle Hal.

He is predeceased by his brother, James, father Louis, stepfather Don, aunt Ann and grandparents Clara and Simeon Frechette and Grandmother Vera.

Special thank-you to the CCU Team at Backus Hospital and his care providers at Colebrook Village.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT.     This is a casual affair, please feel free to wear your favorite Red Sox attire.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dana Farber Jimmy Fund.