Donald Justin Besonson, age 88, passed away at Edinboro Manor, Edinboro, PA on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 after an extended illness. Born on February 14, 1925 in Cambridge Springs, PA, Don was a son of the late Edwin Besonson and Myrtle Gray Besonson.

After serving his country in World War II, Don attended Alliance College in Cambridge Springs and received a degree in Tool & Die. He married the former Vera Racop on May 14, 1949 and she survives. After his retirement in 1990, as head of maintenance at the former San Rosario Nursing Home in Cambridge Springs, Don spent his time with his family, traveling with his wife, Vera, and building in his workshop. He loved fishing and camping, and is remembered for his love of singing, whether it was at home, in church, or around the campfire with extended family.

Don was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by a sister - Neva Willis; a brother - Kirke Besonson; an infant son and an infant daughter; and two grandsons - Dustin Manross and Andrew Besonson. He is survived in addition to his wife - Vera, of nearly 64 years; by a son - Gene Besonson and his wife, Kim of Cambridge Springs and a daughter - Karen Manross of Erie. He is also survived by four grandchildren - Ed Besonson (Katrina Dominguez) of Prescott, AZ; Jim Manross (Erinn Didion) of Edinboro; Adam Besonson (Robin Keister) of Canadohta Lake; and Tiffany Manross (Jason Fitzsimons) of Mesa, AZ; three step granddaughters -Cindy, Carrie, and Karen Biebel; two great granddaughters -Sarah and Carissa Manross; along with a sister-in-law -Ruth Lawrence of Erie; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to attend funeral services there on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Mitchell Cemetery.