Joseph and Barbara Bissette

SWANTON – Joseph R. Bissette, age 88, and his wife, Barbara J. Bissette, age 87, passed away together on August 9, 2021, as a result of an automobile accident in Swanton. They joined the heavenly lord together as they were always inseparable.  

Joseph was born in Essex Junction on October 23, 1932 to the late Joseph H. and Irene (Devino) Bissette. Barbara was born in Burlington on August 31, 1933 to the late Clifford J. and Dorothy (Vanderhoof) Begins.   

Joseph attended schools in Williston, Essex, and Colchester. He served in the Korean Conflict in the United States Army and later joined the National Guard. He met Barbara Begins, the love of his life and the two enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. Joseph had a strong work ethic that helped him obtain a life goal of running his own business, Bissette’s Construction Company. He was a self-employed builder, and appreciated every nail he hammered.

Barbara attended schools in Williston. She met Joseph Bissette and knew she would spend the rest of her life with him. The two united in marriage on May 7, 1955. They had the perfect family that consisted of their seven children. Barbara had the best of both worlds. She was able to stay home and raise their children and was also available to lend a helping hand to Joseph when he needed odd jobs done for the business, Bissette’s Construction Company. Barbara painted and varnished lots of boards in her working days. When the children grew up and left the home, she retired from her construction business duties, finding found joy in painting, putting together puzzles, fishing and spending valuable time with her beloved grandchildren. 

Joseph and Barbara are survived by their children, Gail Guerin of NC, Tinna Bissette of NY, Ginger Grout and her husband Doug of Milton, Joseph Bissette Jr. of Springfield, Jeffery Bissette of Swanton, Jack Bissette of TN and Jay Bissette of TN; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and their siblings, Lorraine Martel, Florence Couture, Emily Lesage and Greta Olaey. Besides their parents, Joseph and Barbara were predeceased by numerous siblings.

Friends and family are invited to attend Barbara and Joseph’s Life Celebration events to include Visitation on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 4-7:00 PM at the Goss Life Celebration Home, (formerly Kidder Memorial Home) 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT.

A double Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Nativity, 65 Canada St., Swanton, VT 05488. Interment will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Swanton with military honors.

For those who wish, contributions in Joseph and Barbara’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202.

Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com