John Edward Beesley

John Edward Beesley, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, August 25th at his Monterey, California home of 42 years. He was born on August 31, 1930 in Alert, Indiana to Joseph and Alta Biddinger Beesley.

Johnnie spent his elementary years in Chicago, IL and high school in Syracuse, NY. He graduated from De Pauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, the alma mater of his father, uncle, brother and cousin - all of whom were members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. University life enabled John to foster many of his lifelong loves from singing with various ensembles to creative writing for the yearbook.

John served in the Korean War for two years as Staff Sergeant of the 25th Infantry. Upon returning from the war, he began a lifelong career in insurance sales for the Equitable Life Assurance Society. After a few years in NYC, John realized his vision to "Go West" and moved to the Bay Area. Soon, the Monterey Peninsula found him and John established an office downtown where he worked until his retirement in 1990.

John was very active in the community with many years involvement as a member of the Lion's Club, on the Board of the Visiting Nurses Association and as a dedicated volunteer and parishioner of the San Carlos Cathedral.

John married the love of his life, Arliene Wright, in 1962 in Sacramento, California. They were married for 46 years until Arliene was taken to heaven in May of 2008.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Alta Beesley and his son, Johnny. He is survived by his children, Ben, Jennifer (Alex), Willie, and Sarah; his brother Lester (Nancy) of Sarasota, Florida; his grandchildren Sophia, Isabelle, George, and Jenna and his nephews, Joe and Lance.

A rosary will be held at The Paul Mortuary at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at San Carlos Cathedral at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 2nd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to San Carlos Cathedral Cornerstone Campaign in the name of John Beesley, 500 Church St., Monterey, 93940.