Obituary of Thomas Bessmer

THOMAS BESSMER Warm heart, old soul and worldly are just some of the words friends use to describe Tom Bessmer. Born in Troy, New York on April 14, 1960, he was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Griffin) Bessmer. Tom attended Villanova University in Villanova, PA on a golf scholarship, graduating in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in Finance. He moved to the Atlanta area in 1990 and was employed as the Director of Sales, HOA by Chatham Landscape Services in Marietta. "Tom came to us with a new business idea that we thought was good but weren't quite ready for. We turned him away 4 different times but he was very persistent and just kept showing up!" said Scott Chatham, Founder & President. Previously Tom was a Development. Manager at Traditions at Braselton Golf Club from 2005-2013. Tom brought such warmth, compassion and caring to every person he met. His smile and infectious laughter lit up any room he was in. He was one of the kindest and most authentic people one could ever hope to know. Tom was an excellent cook and his specialties were poached salmon and any type of meat on the grill. He loved to play golf and most of all dance! One of his greatest gifts was bringing people together. He had such an uncanny ability to introduce you to just the right person/people. So many people can trace how they met dear friends back to being introduced to each other by him. If you were invited by Tom somewhere and couldn't make it, he would always say you'll be "dearly missed." There are countless friends in Atlanta that will dearly miss Tom Bessmer. Tom passed away unexpectedly at his home in Marietta on January 17. He was 54. His "worn-out, much-used heart" gave out after a lifetime of sharing his incredible upbeat spirit with a legion of friends and loved ones. Tom was fiercely loyal and protective of all those he loved and his absence will ache in the hearts of all those who were close to him. A memorial service will be held at 7pm February 16, 2015 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (lower level of main church), 2855 Briarcliff Road, NE, Atlanta. A reception following the ceremony will be held at Johnny's Hideaway (3771 Roswell Rd NE Atlanta) to celebrate Tom's life at one of his favorite places. A graveside service will also take place in the spring at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Latham, NY at a time to be announced. Tom embraced life warts and all and leaves behind a legacy of friendships and warm smiles. He is survived by his brother Joseph J. Bessmer of Gansevoort, NY, several cousins and innumerable friends.