Cosimo (Sammy) Messina passed away September 17, 2018 surrounded by family at Sage Oak Assisted Living in Dallas, TX. Cosimo was born July 20, 1924 to Ben and Irene (Ficarotta) Messina in Dallas, TX. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended SMU. He enlisted in the Army of the United States, 391st Army Air Force on December 15, 1942 at age 18. Cosimo served as Private First Class, Bandsman 433. Cosimo received the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory medal. He received an honorable discharge by President Harry S. Truman on January 31, 1946 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
His love of the trumpet started in grade school and brought many opportunities along the way. Before his enlistment he was employed by Horace Heidt Orchestra in Hollywood, California. Over the years he played in hotel ballrooms, theaters, army camp concerts and radio programs. He played for the Dallas Summer Musicals, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra and The Pyramid Room at the Fairmont Hotel just to name a few. Cosimo had his own band and was handpicked by Frank Sinatra to play first chair trumpet for President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball. His little black book listed as friends many famous trumpet players and band leaders such as Al Hirt and Lawrence Welk. Other than playing the trumpet, his passion was flying. He learned to fly in the Army Air Force and as a Captain he flew for Braniff International Airways, Continental Airlines and Texas International Airlines working both as a commercial and private pilot. After his retirement he taught classes in flight instruction in the DFW area. He would tell you that flying was his favorite thing in the world even over the trumpet! His hobbies include bicycle riding and photography.
Cosimo is survived by his many loving cousins, each with their own fond memories in Dallas, Bryan and Houston. Family members that cared for him in the last few years were Jo Campagna Trout and husband Don. Anthony & Lisa Campagna, Frank & Colette Campagna and John & Kammie Campagna.
The family would to like to thank Loe Hornbuckle with Sage Oak Assisted Living and a special heartfelt thanks to his loving caregivers; LaFonda, Diamond, Tori and Jatae led by house manager, Crystal and also Kimeshia Thompson, LVN with Holy Savior Hospice. Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 6306 Kenwood Ave, Dallas, TX 75214.
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