Carey Joseph Messina was born in Monroe, Louisiana on November 8, 1953 and passed peacefully into heaven on February 10, 2021, having touched the lives of countless people throughout his life. Carey was a devoted husband to Jolie Ranzino Messina for 37 years, and a loving and selfless father to Emily Messina Eskew, Natalie Messina Marocco, John Thomas Messina, and Catherine Mary Messina. He was a compassionate brother to Lisa Frances Messina and Cathy Messina Trichel [Don]. Carey was an exceptional lawyer, with a legal career spanning four decades focusing on estate planning, wills, and successions. He earned his B.B.A. from Northeast Louisiana University in 1974, his CPA designation in 1975, his J.D. from LSU Law Center in 1978, and his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 1979. He was a founding member of Kean Miller LLP and previously served as its administrative partner for many years. Despite receiving numerous accolades and awards throughout his illustrious career, Carey maintained a humble and unpretentious demeanor for all who knew him. He also donated countless hours to community, civic, and charitable organizations throughout Baton Rouge. Carey was a supportive father-in-law to Patrick Eskew, Justin Marocco, Ashlynn Dennis Messina, and Zachary Goodnow. He was a committed and caring PawPaw who adored his seven grandchildren: Elise Eskew, Andrew Eskew, Olivia Eskew, Claire Eskew, Noah Marocco, Josie Marocco, and Peter Joseph Marocco. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Patricia Ranzino; brother-in-law, Daniel Ranzino [Denise]; and numerous nieces and nephews. Carey was preceded in death by his parents, Carey Matthew and Catherine Adragna Messina; grandparents, Joseph and Mary Messina, and John and Frances Adragna; brother, John Andrew Messina; and father-in-law, Thomas Ranzino. Carey’s brother-in-law, Fr. Tom Ranzino, will officiate the funeral mass on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 11 AM at St. George Catholic Church, with visitation at 10:30 AM. The family sincerely thanks the Medical Staff at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Carey’s strong Catholic faith guided him throughout his entire life. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carey’s name can be made to St. Jude Catholic Church and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
