Born in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, Italy, he immigrated to the United States in 1958, moving to Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
In 2007, he settled in Westerleigh.
Mr. Messina worked for 40 years as an auto mechanic, retiring in 1999 from Alpine Motors in Brooklyn.
When his children were young, he coached baseball at a church league in Brooklyn.
Mr. Messina He was devoted to his family and loved watching his children and grandson at their sporting events. A loving uncle, he was close to his nieces and nephews and all of his extended family, and will be deeply missed, family said.
Surviving are his wife of 37 years, Francine; his sons, Jason and Sean, and a grandson.
The Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, is handling arrangements, including cremation.
