Dr. William F. Besser

Revered, respected, and renowned for his professional and personal accomplishments affecting thousands of Princeton-area residents over the course of decades, Dr. William F. Besser, MD, 93, died of cancer on October 28, 2023, in his home.

Bill, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Princeton for half a century, and Ruth, his wife of 73 years, were residents of the Princeton community for more than 60 years.

His wisdom, skills, ethics, and integrity defined his years in private practice and his affiliation with Princeton Hospital, now known as Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. He maintained a leadership role in the hospital’s Bioethics Committee since the committee’s establishment more than 40 years ago. He was a founding member, along with his medical practice partner, Dr. David Rose, of the local chapter of Planned Parenthood and went on to serve on the chapter’s board. 

His community service commitment was applauded far beyond Princeton. He and Ruth spent many summers volunteering on a Navaho Reservation at a United States Public Health Service facility in Shiprock, Arizona. He passed on the spirit of service to all of his children.

Bill’s most revered extracurricular activity was interacting with his family — his wife and four children, their spouses, and eight grandchildren. When their 48-year-old daughter Karen died in 2004, their lives were changed forever, but the tragedy had the effect of bringing the parents and three sons even closer together. Geographic distance never stopped Bill from maintaining continual contact with the children and grandchildren on a daily basis via email and text.

Bill loved to play and to compete. For years it was tennis, but he loved golf, bridge, cribbage, backgammon, bocce, and poker — any type of game. And he loved to win! In addition to games, he had many hobbies over his lifetime — painting and needlepoint were two favorites. Every wedding or birth was followed by a beautiful needlepoint pillow commemorating the event. He even taught a class at the Princeton Adult School, “Needlepoint for Men.” His needlepoint masterpieces are on display throughout their homes.

He and Ruth loved the Jersey shore and had a home in Barnegat Light. Their favorite activities were sailing, crabbing, and walking by the lighthouse with one of their beloved black Labs. His face would light up when people would stop to pet his dog and share some conversation. For each of his grandchildren when they were little, he would set out a pirate scavenger hunt for buried treasure. It was never clear who was having more fun, Bill or his grandchildren. The shore was also a place where he was able to enjoy his passion for food. He loved to cook, eat, and share recipes.

Born in Philadelphia on Christmas Day, 1929, two months after the crash of the stock market that marked the start of the Great Depression, to Dr. Joseph Besser, a family physician, and Pauline Besser, who worked alongside Joe as a nurse. Bill Besser said his professional and personal ethic was instilled in him by his parents. He attended Central High in Philadelphia, as had his father, brother, and other men in the family. He remained a loyal alum throughout his entire life. He went to Penn State as an undergraduate, where he met his wife and partner in life, Ruth. He graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, as had his father, and followed that by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Following residency, the family set off to Germany, where he served in the U.S. Army during peacetime. It was the perfect place to enjoy life with his young family.

Bill made friends for life. From his days as a counselor at SGF camp, his time as camp doctor at Camp Comet, his poker buddies at Windrows, and his deep friendships from a lifetime in Princeton and Barnegat Light. He was a true and loyal friend.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Besser; children: Mitchell Besser (Annie) of Los Angeles; Andrew Besser (Joannie) of Los Angeles; Richard Besser (Jeanne) of New York; and eight grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter Karen and his brother, Gilbert.

A service honoring the life of Dr. William Besser will be held at Windrows in Plainsboro on November 11,
at 1 p.m.

The family requests donations in Dr. William Besser’s memory be made to Eden Autism. Bill and Ruth participated every year in the Eden Autism walk/run fundraiser. Edenautism.org or by mail: Eden Autism, 2 Merwick Road, Princeton NJ 08540.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home.