EDINBORO —
Donald Justin Besonson, 88, passed away at Edinboro Manor on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, after an extended illness.
Born Feb. 14, 1925, in Cambridge Springs, Don was a son of the late Edwin Besonson and Myrtle Gray Besonson.
After serving his country in World War II, Don attended Alliance College in Cambridge Springs and received a degree in tool and die. He married the former Vera Racop on May 14, 1949, and she survives. After his retirement in 1990, as head of maintenance at the former San Rosario Nursing Home in Cambridge Springs, Don spent his time with his family, traveling with his wife, Vera, and building in his workshop. He loved fishing and camping, and is remembered for his love of singing, whether it was at home, in church or around the campfire with extended family.
Don was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by a sister, Neva Willis; a brother, Kirke Besonson; an infant son and an infant daughter; and two grandsons, Dustin Manross and Andrew Besonson.
He is survived, in addition to his wife, Vera, of nearly 64 years, by a son, Gene Besonson and his wife, Kim, of Cambridge Springs; and a daughter, Karen Manross of Erie; four grandchildren, Ed Besonson (Katrina Dominguez) of Prescott, Ariz., Jim Manross (Erinn Didion) of Edinboro, Adam Besonson (Robin Keister) of Canadohta Lake and Tiffany Manross (Jason Fitzsimmons) of Mesa, Ariz.; three stepgranddaughters, Cindy, Carrie and Karen Biebel; two great-granddaughters, Sarah and Carissa Manross; a sister-in-law, Ruth Lawrence of Erie; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs and are invited to attend funeral services there on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Interment will be in Mitchell Cemetery.
To send condolences, please visit vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
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Donald Justin Besonson
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