Anthony Messina

Anthony Messina, age 97, of New York passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023. He was born of Italian immigrants—Gaspare and Santa (Mollica)—and lived the early part of his life in Ozone Park, Queens, before the family moved to Bayside. The youngest of five children, he began to lose his sight due to illness when he was 12 years old and never went to high school. But he was smart and capable enough to work at the family sewing machine business, Charles G. Messina & Sons, where he kept the books and repaired sewing machines alongside his brother and father. In 1958, he met Frances Danzi, and they were engaged two months later. They were married in 1959, the third couple to marry in the new St. Kevin’s Roman Catholic Church in Flushing. They welcomed the first of their four children in 1960, and in 1961, they bought a house a few blocks from St. Kevin’s, where they became loyal parishioners and sent their children to school.

Anthony’s greatest joy was his family, and he was known by everyone for being a devoted and loving husband and father. He was also a favorite uncle of his many nieces and nephews, who would visit Anthony and Frances whenever they were in town. He became the cherished grandfather of six grandchildren, who adored him and Frances. He had many close friends, who loved him for his good sense of humor, his ready laugh, and his radiant smile, which spoke to them of the genuine affection he had for them. In his spare time, Anthony worked around the house. An able handyman, he took great pleasure in all forms of home improvement, especially tending his front lawn and garden, which was considered the loveliest on the block. Another favorite pastime was listening to the music in his very large record collection of 78s, 33s, and CDs. On summer weekends, the sounds of Mets games and the standards played by WNEW AM could always be heard on the radio as Anthony worked in the garage or hosted cookouts along with Frances.

In 2010, with his sight almost gone, Anthony moved with Frances into assisted living. His beloved Frances died in 2011, and a few years later, Anthony moved in with one of his three daughters and her family upstate. He moved into a nursing home on Long Island in 2022, and he joyfully met the latest family member, his great-granddaughter, the summer that he passed away.

Anthony is survived by his four children, Michael Messina, Mary Anne (Carl) Bisesi, Lynn Messina, and Jean (Bill) Weber, as well as his six grandchildren—Anne Marie, Juliana, Sara, Steven, Alison, and Robert—and his great-granddaughter, Anna Rose.

Visiting hours for Anthony will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. A mass of christian burial will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at St. Kevin R.C. Church, 45-21 194th Street, Flushing, NY 11358. The interment will follow on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM at St. John Cemetery, 80-01 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Messina family.