John Vincent Messina

He is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Helen Diana Messina, his beloved wife Peggy Messina of 50 years, his siblings Rosie Ferrante, Frank Messina, Mary Pieraccini, and Frances "Peanut" Peacock.

He served proudly in the United States Army.

His parents were born in Sicily and he and his siblings were the first generation born in the United States. Many memories shared, with his 5 siblings, grandparents (John Diana and Rose Siracusa Diana), aunts, uncles and cousins and growing up with his big Italian Catholic family on Vance St. and later Marksman. Many Sundays you’d find priests and even police officers eating spaghetti or raviolis with the fixin’s.

He went to St. Patrick’s Catholic grade school and later St. Thomas Catholic grade school. He graduated from Catholic High School for Boys, 1949, where he was given the nickname "Stuff" and from 1950-1952 was a Corporal, Communications, in the United States Army (Korean Conflict). He married the love of his life, his sweetheart, Peggy, in 1958. They were Communicates of Holy Rosary Catholic Church since 1958. He worked for Campbell’s ‘66 for 36 years but his real love was carpentry with his brother, Frank “Popeye”. He was an avid bowler and softball player on Coletta's Men's Pizza softball team in the 1950's and early 1960's.

Later, his kids were born and lots of love and laughter growing up. His kids married and he was happy to extend his family to more children, their spouses, and loved them as his own children. Later came his grandchildren who were the apples of his eye who were like new toys. Later his grandson, Sam aka “Bubba”, would come live with him and care for him after his sweetheart passed away in 2008. Sam lived with him almost 16 years. They were two peas in a pod.

He was bigger than life, he loved his family and his Sunday dinner with his family, we always prayed and ate together even after Peggy passed away. We never knew who would show up on Sundays at our table to eat dinner with us - they always had extra plates. Many weekends playing cards and about 5:00a getting Gibson’s hot donuts. Kids sleeping all over the den floor. He loved his nieces and nephews and cousins with all his heart, they were always a huge part of his life. Friends and neighbors were just an extension of our family. He was an animal lover especially to his puppies as they gave him great comfort. God, Family and Friends were his life.

He would lend a hand when he could to those in need, physically or spiritually. He prayed The Rosary three times a day for his family, friends, priests and the world and many times with his sister, Mary, at 2:30 each afternoon. He loved an audience as he enjoyed telling jokes and stories but most of all his love for God.

He will be missed and left a sweet legacy. He was a faithful servant who believed in the power of prayer. He lived his life with faith, honor, integrity, and service.

He is survived by one sister Connie Wheeler of Bloomington, IL, loving children; Theresa Locastro (Sam), Phyllis McGregor (Jay), Harry Messina (Becky), John Messina Jr. (Debbie), and Brenda Hohorst (Marc), also left behind with wonderful memories are his grandchildren; Rachel (Brandon), Sam "Bubba", Lacey, Jessica, Brooks, Cianna, and great grandchildren Dacia, Makayla, Ava, Hunter, and Charlie, and lastly a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A man of deep faith, John dedicated himself to his family and his faith, serving as a Communicant at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Memphis since 1958.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 am Saturday, November 16th 2024, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 4851 Park Ave, Memphis, TN with a Mass to follow. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

In honor of John, he would like everyone to be comfortable, so please wear your jeans to celebrate him if you wish. There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following the Mass.

The family request memorial donations to be sent to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Memphis Humane Society, The Veterans Administration and The Lung Cancer Association or the charity of the donors choice.

The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to Dr. Cary Finn and staff, as well as St. Francis ER and to the entire staff on the tenth floor and Compassus Hospice special mention to Traci.