Eugene ‘Gene’ Dessart

Merritt Island, FL

Dessart, Eugene ‘Gene’ Lawrence, Jr., 80, Merritt Island, FL, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 5, 1934, in Queens, NY, the son of Eugene Sr. and Evelyn (Foy) Dessart. Gene served honorably in the USAF in England and Germany, where he met Joyce, the “joy of his life”, while stationed at a nearby base in Warrington, England. Gene and Joyce were married June 11, 1955, and eventually settled in Merritt Island in 1959 where they raised their four children, Gail, Gene, Lori and Lynn. Gene was part of the early and exciting pioneer days of NASA, where he worked on the Delta, Viking, Apollo and other space programs.

In 1976, Gene launched a new career and life direction in the ownership and operation of Bishop’s Inn Tavern, a beer and wine tavern, located in Indian Harbour Beach. Bishop’s Inn continues its operation to this day, like it’s now departed owner, welcoming regulars and strangers alike and truly “where everyone knows your name.”

Gene is loved by family and friends alike and will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joy; and his two sons, Gene Jr. and Paul Steed. Gene is survived by his daughters, Gail Huston, Lori Parker, and Lynn Teeter, as well as his sister and brother-in law, Patricia and Andrew Franzone, his nephews and niece, Andrew, Larry, Paul and Michelle, his daughter-in-law, Jan Steed, his grandson, Andrew Steed, his granddaughters, Alicia Slansky, Danielle Loner and Rebecca Hadgraft, and his two great-granddaughters, Mia and Cara Hadgraft.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2014, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Riverside Presbyterian Church, 3400 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, followed by a celebration of life at Bishop’s Inn Tavern, 902 Pinetree Dr., Indian Harbour Beach, FL.