John “Johnny” William Bessel, Jr. age 27, of Wilmington, DE., went to be with the Lord on August 3, 2025. Sergeant John Bessel proudly served in the U.S. Army since 2017. Johnny dedicated himself with honor, strength and a deep sense of loyalty. He was preparing for an upcoming deployment, excited and ready to continue serving his country with the same courage and commitment that defined his military career.
Outside of his service, John found joy and connection in his work as a barber at Pat’s Barbershop in Elsmere, where he was known, not just for his skill but for the relationships he built with everyone who sat in his chair. He also spent many years working at his family’s business, A&B Ice, where he played a key role and took great pride in continuing the family legacy.
His infectious smile and contagious laugh could light up any room he walked into. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. He loved spending time with his family, friends and his dog, Ellie. Johnny was such an outgoing and ambitious soul-full of dreams and aspirations, always reaching for more.
Most importantly, Johnny had accepted Christ onto his heart and life. He let his faith guide and reach him, and there is peace in knowing he is now with God- watching over us and protecting those he loved.
John’s presence with be greatly missed by his family, friends, girlfriend, fellow soldiers, coworkers and all those whose lives were touched with his warmth, humor and unwavering spirit.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Carol A.Bessel and his uncle, William Henry Bessel, III. He is survived by his mother Susan Bessel, father John Bessel, Sr., his sisters Sarah and Lindsay Bessel, paternal grandfather William H. Bessel, Jr. (Joan), maternal grandfather William Joseph Springer (Nancy), maternal grandmother Carol A. Gresko (Stephen) and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A visitation will be held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church,1700 Limestone Rd. Wilmington, DE 19804 on Monday, August 11 from 11-1pm with a service beginning at 1pm. A celebration will be held after the service. Details will be released during the service. A private burial at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.
