William Bessman died peacefully Aug. 9, 2023, after a prolonged illness.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was a proud New York City firefighter for an elite rescue squad in mid-town Manhattan called Rescue 1.

He was eventually promoted to lieutenant and served in a firehouse in Queens just before he retired.

He loved to tell stories about the rescues, the fires and the special bond of the firefighting family.

Most recently, he lived at Luther Crest retirement community, South Whitehall, with Margarete, his wife of 63 years.

Survivors include his oldest daughter Barbara Bennett of Gansevoort, N.Y, her husband Jeff, and their children, Holly and Steve; and his youngest daughter, Nancy Werteen, her husband Mike, and their children Marleesa and Grace.

He was predeceased by his son, Michael Robert Bessman.

Arrangements were made by Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.