Joseph was born on March 29, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, to the late Anthony Messina and Nellie Messina (nee Rezk).
Joseph had a long career in the automotive industry; he also worked for a Los Angeles newspaper for many years. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the United States Coast Guard. He graduated from Alhambra High School in Alhambra, California and completed some college. His interests included traveling, golfing, fishing, sports, household projects, card games, brain teasers and solving puzzles.
In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his sister, Alma Lovato.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 34 years, Helen Messina (nee Hauser); his daughters, Antonia Messina-Krampf, Bernadette Cotinola, Nicole Bergerson; Helen’s son, Nathan Pedersen; and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on January 26, 2019, at 11:00 am, at Teague Funeral Home, followed by interment at Riverview Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust (http://www.dav.org).