Word's can't describe how much you were enjoyed us growing up..... especially when your mom invited me to join in your uncle's party 🎉 most fun we had ....miss you 😢...

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory." - Dr. Suess

I don't remember the moment I met Patrick. It could only be through one of Nenet's many house parties. But, I do remember on every party, Patrick would make sure everyone had a full plate of food on one hand and a cold drink on another. And, he'd be the first to offer you to take food home or give you another drink before you leave.  He was a thoughtful and giving person.

I don't remember the last time I saw him. I suspect it was when I drove to see him in Colorado. I do remember him asking if I've eaten yet the minute he saw me. He'd give me one of his signature hugs. Hugs that I grew accustomed everytime I see him. One time, as I was leaving his house in Chicago, he ran out to the streets and reached into my car to give me a hug. There might have been a kiss involved as well. Lol. It may have just happened once but the moment felt a million times over. Patrick have always been accepting and welcoming to anyone that would have him.

I don't remember the last time I talked to Patrick. It could be a call made when I got home from Colorado. I still remember his voice. Deep but not gruff. A kind and gentle voice. A voice, at times loud, but commands attention and respect. A voice that can make you feel safe and protected specially at your moments of vulnerability. He has always made me feel safe when I'm around him.

Thank you for being such a giving person and sharing beautiful moments with us. Thank you for accepting me in your life and welcoming me to your family. Thank you Patrick for keeping everyone around you safe and protected.

Today, will not be the last to cherish the value of the moments we've shared. The memories we made will last forever in our minds. We love you. Rest in peace and God bless you.

Pat and the Messina family lived directly across the alley from me in the neighborhood. ( Parker & Schubert Ave) I have many memories of being a youngster with Barry, Carmen ,Phil and Pat. I am glad to say the last time i was with Pat was great/positive and he helped me out with electrical work on my condo several months before he moved to Colorado. We went out for dinner and drinks afterwards. Had many laughs talking and remembering moments of growing up. We Text a few times after he arrived Colorado to let me know he was settled and good. Rest easy love you and thanks for being a life long friend.

We had so much fun freezing our buns off at the Cubs game.

Pat, we just spoke  a few weeks ago and every time we talked we made each other laugh. Never did we have a conversation we didnt laugh. You were always joking around. When you were in Houston for work it was good to have you around, one of my childhood friends hanging out like old times.My family loved having you around because you lightened up the room.  You will be missed more than you ever thought possible. I will personally miss you the most my Brother.

To the Messina Family, 
My deepest condolences to you all. I have such good memories of your dad as he stood outside the school with his proud dad smile, waiting for each of you to get out school. 
The love and joy I saw every time one of you would rush out the door to him was priceless. I saw the happiness and the love in his smile, his eyes and as he hugged each of you in his arms. 
He was such a positive person! I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you all, your mom, and your whole family lots of love, strength and prayers.  
Love,
Alena McCarthy (Ms. Wong/Mrs. McCarthy)

I wished there were more moments like this. When just you and me packed our bags and drove off. In July of 2000 we did just do that. We rode in your big red truck to Sandusky Ohio 300 miles away. We were going to ride the first 300ft high coaster at the time (Millennium Force). We camped in a tent we slept on deflated mattresses and it was on and off rain. But we were there and we rode that coaster and all the others for 2 days. What will also be remembered is we were able to laugh,talk, and hug back then. Rest in peace my Brother

To the family and friends, so sorry for your loss.

Rest Easy Hero .

Randy Gumkowski (INPGR)

It took a graduation to get us all in one picture.

What I’ll always remember the most about Pat is that he was always so laid back and easy going.  He was so easy to like, talk to, & just hang out with, more than almost anybody I know.

Me and Pat both wrestled in high school in the mid-80’s, but for different schools, & at different weight classes.  I was the captain at Steinmetz & Pat was the captain at Kelvyn Park.  When our schools competed against each other, me & Pat, as representatives for our schools, met in the middle of the mat to shake hands before the match.  That was really cool!  To this day, I’ll never forget how Pat had that funny, impossible to be serious smile on his face walking to the middle of the mat, just like he had every day when we hung out in the neighborhood. 

I learned how to drive a stick shift from Pat, and he also taught me how to ride a motorcycle.  

Pat joined the Army in the late 80’s and ended up being stationed in Germany, where he learned all about German food and good quality German beers.  When he returned home after his Tour of Duty ended, he exposed all of his close friends to those good German beers, and that’s all we drank for a period of time.

I joined the Army about 10 years after Pat got out, and coincidentally ended up being stationed in Germany just a few miles from where Pat was stationed.  When my Tour of Duty was nearing the end, Pat really wanted to help me out by letting me stay in his basement, so he fixed it up and me, my wife, and our cats lived in Pat & Nenet’s basement for almost 4 years.    

Shortly after that time, me and Pat started working together on some small electrical jobs.  After work we would often stop at a Polish restaurant, put some good food in our bellies, and have a couple Schooner’s of beer to wash it down.  Those were really good, simple times. 

I really miss Pat.  I still can’t believe he’s gone, but I’ll think of him every day and remember all of our good times until we meet again.

I love you and I'll miss you Forever Pat.

My condolences to Pat's family. Pat was special and a great person. I felt honored to have known and served with him.

Charles Franklin

I have called him Brother since I met him in Germany 1989. He was adored by his military friends and will be greatly missed. RIP Pat and Condolences to his family 🙏

Me and Pat periodically began working together about 15 years ago.  One day he gave me this screwdriver that he affectionately called ‘Long & Skinny’, and he jokingly said if you’re really my good friend, you’ll never lose this.

Over the years I used to tell him once in a while that I still had it and he would always be surprised and laugh.  I plan to keep it forever.  Here’s to you Pat, ‘Long & Skinny’.

I Love You Brother,

Tony

I served in the same unit with Pat in 1988 in Hanau, Germany. He was a lot of fun. Easy to talk to and hard to keep a straight face when talking to him. We are so sorry,  and we offer our condolences and prayers to the family. May God comfort and strengthen your family  during this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Patrick Christopher Messina

April 26, 1968 – August 8, 2024

Drake & Son Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services