Edward R Messer III

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Kathe Hawn; his daughters, Kathleen Jasper (Jeremy) and Caryn Messer; his mother, Pat Messer; and his stepdaughter, Stacie Brink (Shawn). He was a cherished brother to Maureen Abramson (Michael), Katie Benedetti (Gary), Michael Messer (Marsha), and Tim Messer (Amy), as well as a proud grandfather and friend to many.

Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1950, Ed graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1969 before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in that same year. During his service, Ed proudly completed a tour of Vietnam, later finishing his military commitment state-side with an honorable discharge. His time in the Navy deeply shaped his commitment to public service.

In 1973, Ed joined the Pittsfield Fire Department, where he worked alongside a brave team of fellow veterans, serving the community with valor and dedication. After years of New England winters, Ed and his family moved to Naples, Florida in 1983, where they embraced the warm sunshine and laid down roots. It was here that Ed’s daughters flourished, growing up in paradise, now raising families of their own.

Ed’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open the original Sports Page Restaurant in Naples, alongside several other successful ventures. His leadership extended to public service as he was elected Fire Commissioner for North Naples in 1988, where he served two consecutive terms. Ed later brought his expertise to Collier County Public Schools, working in the Operations Department until his retirement.

Even in retirement, Ed’s mission never wavered—his passion for supporting fellow veterans remained at the core of his life. In 2012, he played a pivotal role in forming a partnership between the Golden Gate VFW Post 7721 and the American Legion Post 135. Together, they embarked on a years-long search to find the missing grave of a World War II veteran, a request from the veteran’s great-granddaughter. That search not only uncovered the missing grave but revealed 160 others in need of restoration. With Ed and his fellow comrades' dedication, the Lake Trafford Memorial Garden was revitalized—an ongoing project that has provided proper headstones for forgotten or lost veteran graves. This endeavor continues today, supported by both the VFW and American Legion.

In his later years, Ed found great joy in working closely with Eddie Hartnack, a dedicated advocate for veterans’ benefits. Together, they developed a support program through the Golden Gate VFW and the American Legion, ensuring veterans had a consistent place to gather for benefits assistance, information, and camaraderie.

Ed’s commitment to service, his community, and his family is a legacy that will never be forgotten. He will be remembered as always stepping in to lend a hand, find a solution, or pull someone out of a bind.

The family will receive friends for a time of sharing on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave. N, Naples, FL 34108.

A graveside service with military honors will follow at 1:15 PM at Lake Trafford Memorial Gardens, 1155 Little League Rd., Immokalee, FL 34112.

Following the graveside service, please join the family for a reception in Ed’s honor at 3:00 PM at American Legion Post 135, 2296 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Veterans Cemetery Fund, which supports the Lake Trafford Memorial Garden and the ongoing preservation of veterans' graves. Donations can be made online at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4HZASWYV5NV86 or mailed to the American Legion Post 135, 2296 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.