Leon Messina

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and “Buddy,” Leon Messina, who passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025.

Leon was born on October 4, 1932, in Hearne, Texas, the second son of Sicilian immigrants, Frank and Callie Messina. From a young age, Leon developed a lifelong love of the outdoors—hunting, fishing, gardening, and riding his tractor brought him both peace and joy. A man of boundless energy, humor, and grit, Leon lived each day with purpose and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

While on leave from the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, Leon met the love of his life, Rosalee Rosato, at a cousin’s wedding in Houston, Texas. Though separated by distance, only meeting three times in person, their love grew through hundreds of handwritten letters exchanged over the next three years—letters the family treasures to this day. Upon his return, they were married at the original St. Joseph’s Church in Ensley, Alabama, and spent 67 years building a beautiful life grounded in love, faith, and family.

Leon was a straight shooter, known for speaking his mind and spinning stories that could light up a room. His larger-than-life personality, unmistakable sense of humor, and fierce love for his family made him unforgettable. He had high standards, but his love was loyal, constant, and deeply felt. Leon was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and that pride radiated through every chapter of his life.

Leon is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalee Rosato Messina. He is survived by his five children: Jerry, Marilyn (Buck) Vines, Dr. Frank (Natalie), Steve (Shannon), and Cathy (Johnny) Juliano; nine grandchildren: Jennifer (Chris) Moeller, Jacob (Kelcey) Vines, Taylor (Dr. Marena) Messina, Dr. Kennedie (Jamie) Mims, TJ Messina, Luke Juliano, Jesse Juliano, Kylie Messina, and Teddy Messina; and six great-grandchildren: Zander and Max Moeller, Jaylon, Jenna, and Jake Vines, and Francesco Messina. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Callie Messina; his brother, Joe Messina; his grandson, Thomas Messina; and his great-granddaughter, Becca Vines.

Leon will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but we find comfort knowing he is now reunited with his cherished Rosalee—his forever love—in Heaven.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home and Lakeside Hospice for their devoted care and compassion during Leon’s final days.

Family and friends are invited to gather at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m., with burial at 12:30 p.m. at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Leon may be made to the Thomas Scott Messina Memorial Scholarship Fund at John Carroll Catholic High School:

300 Lakeshore Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35209