Michael Joseph Messina

Michael Messina passed away peacefully at home on April 10 surrounded by his family, at the age of 75. Michael is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 54 years, and three daughters, Teresa Juarez, Maryann Messina-Doerning, and Kristen Puccinelli; son-in-laws Brian Doerning and Dante Puccinelli; and eight grandchildren, Christopher, Kathleen and Elizabeth Juarez, Anthony and Joey Messina-Doerning and Michaela, Gina and Francesca Puccinelli; also survived by his sister, Marlene Waller. Michael is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mildred Messina and his daughter, Kathy Messina.

Michael lived in Alhambra nearly all of his life, graduating from Ramona Elementary School in 1953 and Alhambra High School in 1957. Michael graduated from Cal State Los Angeles in 1964 and went to work for the Division of Highways as a Right of Way Agent. Michael also had a long career in the grocery store business, beginning as a box boy, then as assistant manager, to an executive with Lucky Stores, Inc. In 1988, Michael created and became President of Messina Development Co. and developed retail shopping centers. Michael was also very devoted to the City of Alhambra which he served the community extensively.

His trajectory into civic life began in 1976 upon becoming a member of the Housing & Community Development (HCDA) Committee, which he served on for two years, later followed with service on the Planning Commission.

Michael was twice elected to the Alhambra City Council, serving from 1979 to 1982 and again from 1983 to 1986. He served as Mayor of Alhambra in 1982 and 1986. Most recently, he served as an active member of the Oversight Board which was put into place after the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency.

As a representative of the Second District, Michael was instrumental in bringing new businesses to Alhambra such as Costco (formerly Price Club) and Mervyns. He was also committed to restoring and expanding city services, including Paramedics, Senior Ride, Parks and Recreation and Senior Housing.

Michael was active in community service, having served as President of the local St. Vincent De Paul Society Chapter. He was also involved with such organizations such as People Against Obscenity, Community Counter Crime Council, Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, Alhambra Exchange Club, Project Pride, Meals on Wheels, Knights of Columbus and Foundation for the Blind. He received an Honorary Service Award from the PTA for Outstanding Service to the Young and Children, and in 2000, received the Past President’s Award from the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce for “Outstanding Community Service.” Michael was also a long time parishioner of All Souls Catholic Church.

Along with his wife, Barbara (currently an Alhambra City Council member), Michael was passionate in the fight for completion of the 710 Freeway and reducing traffic congestion, serving on both the 710 Freeway Design Advisory Group Committee and 710 Freeway Mitigation Committee.

Friends and family are invited to visitation/viewing on Thursday, April 16, 5-7pm and Rosary at 7pm at Pierce Brothers Turner & Stevens Mortuary, 1136 E Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel. Funeral Mass celebrated Friday, April 17, 10am, at All Souls Church, 1500 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801, to be followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, 4201 Whittier Blvd., East Los Angeles. A reception will be held after the interment at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra 91801. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, in memory of Kathy Messina.