Credit:
Courtesy of the Besso family
Michael Besso, 96, of Yakima, Washington, died April 18, 2026.
“Mike utilized his chemical knowledge and people skills to advocate for his research and development teams to have the funding, resources, and working conditions necessary to do cutting edge research and be happy in their work. His booming laughter and attentive listening skills made him well loved at work and by those fortunate enough to interact with him in everyday life.”—Matt Fairbank, son-in-law
Most recent title: Vice president R&D, Elf Aquitaine North America
Education: BS, chemistry, Lowell Textile Institute, 1950; PhD, organic chemistry, Lehigh University, 1959
Survivors: Children, Michele Besso and Marc Besso
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