ILION-Michael J. "Mike" Bessette, age 32 of Orchard Street, passed away suddenly on October 19, 2011 in his home. He was born on May 28, 1979 in Utica, son of Michael Bessette and Candace Collins and graduated with Holland Patent High School, "Class of 1997". He went on to attend New York State Department of Corrections Academy in 2007 and then gained employment with Marcy State Correctional Facility. Mike was married to his beloved companion of 17 years on October 31, 2009 in Utica. The couple has resided in Ilion for several years. He belonged to the Herkimer Polish Home and the Herkimer American Legion. Mike was a caring companion to his beloved Stephanie. He truly enjoyed being in the camaraderie of his co workers at the Correctional Facility. When time allowed, Mike enjoyed camping with friends and cooking. He cherished the times spent with his canine companions, Remington and Samson. Survivors include his devoted family; his beloved wife Stephanie of Ilion; his parents, Michael Bessette of Hinckley and Candace Collins of the town of Ohio; a sister Courtney Bessette of Hinckley and his in laws, Stephen and Barbara Brown of Ilion and their entire family; also surviving are many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and in laws. He was predeceased by his brother William Hodge on January 26, 2006. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home (Harry, Kevin and Daniel Enea, directors) 4309 Acme Rd., between Ilion and Frankfort, 894-8000 on Friday, (today) October 21, 2011 from 4-7 p.m. Mike's funeral will commence with honors from the Correctional Facility on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 10 am from the chapel of the funeral home with Chaplain Vincent Long, officiating. Procession will follow to Frankfort Hill Cemetery, town of Frankfort, where he will be laid to rest. Kindly consider memorial offerings in his name to the Herkimer County Humane Society, envelopes may be obtained from the funeral home.