Edward C. Bessey ’57

Edward C. Bessey ’57 passed away on February 19. Ed came to Dartmouth from Hanover (Massachusetts) High School. He was a member of Zeta Psi, Navy ROTC, and the Dartmouth Outing Club. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1960, then returned to Hanover to earn his M.B.A. from Tuck School in 1961. Ed began his career as a buyer at Lehn and Fink Products Company (disinfectants) in New York City. In 1964 he joined Pfizer Inc. (pharmaceuticals), working in New York City (1964-77) and Brussels, Belgium (1977-80). He returned to New York City in the hospital products division, rising through the ranks to executive vice president and chief executive officer of this division. He was asked to join Pfizer’s board of directors. In 1992 he left Pfizer to become president of the U.S. Pharmaceutical Group, a company specializing in medical, dental, and hospital equipment and supplies. He was listed as a noteworthy healthcare company executive by Marquis Who’s Who. Ed was on the board of directors of United Way Tri-State and Project Hope, which provides needed medical supplies and care to communities in crisis. He was also on the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers; Green Point Savings Bank in Brooklyn, New York; and Woodway Club in Darien, Connecticut. His hobbies were tennis, jogging, and skiing. In retirement he moved to Tucson, Arizona. Ed is survived by his wife, Jill, sons Michael and Peter, and daughter Sarah.