I'm saddened to be just learning of Mr. Messina's passing; my late, but nonetheless sincere condolences to his family.  I have so many fond memories from being in Mr. Messina's TV Production class and Drama club at Crossland HS in Maryland from 1976 - 1978, as well as his production of Godspell.  His enthusiasm and zest for life and performing was contagious, and had a significant impact on my life during and after high school.  

I moved to Texas right after graduation to attend the University of Houston, and have been here ever since.  But I tracked down and talked to Mr. Messina about 10 years ago, and let him know how he impacted my life, and I was shocked to learn that not only did he remember me, but he also remembered my mom AND exactly where she lived!  

I'm sure Mr. Messina touched many lives over the years, so I feel extremely privileged to have been one of those to have known and benefited from such a kind and gifted man!

I remember the joy of seeing Ernie (cousin or uncle, I never really knew). I remember him most behind a camera at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. Growing up each summer around cousins, being silly, laughing with all the Messinas. It was all very wonderful and I miss you all! I miss you, little Ernie. What a joy you had always been.

Much love from Victoria, and mom, Donna! We love you.



To Mr. Messina's Family, I recently heard of his passing in 2019 and am heartbroken for all of you
      He was an awesome teacher. I did not have him for a class but he directed me in plays and taught me to sing better. I played Anita in West Side Story and it was through this part he taught me how to really Belt it Out from my diaphragm. And the fun we all had in that play and Li'l Abner. In 12 th grade Concert Choir just all the wonderful classes under His direction. 
     Your Husband, Father, and any other relative to you, Mr. Messina left his stamp on sooo many people. I so loved and respected him as my teacher  and wanted you to know this.  
Sincerely, Barbara Logue

I was just watching Peter Bergman on "The  Young & the Restless" soap opera. Whenever I see him on TV, I think of Mr. Messina because Mr. Bergman was one of his students. I took Mr. Messina's drama class circa 1980.... One day, he surprised the class with a surprise visit from one of his former students - Peter Bergman who was starring in the "All My Children" soap opera at that time. Peter talked to us about the art of acting, what fun his classes with Mr. Messina were, etc. Mr. Messina was a great, very enthusiastic teacher.. Most of my time at Crossland was unmemorable but my time in his class was a great and fun distraction from the other drama in my life at the time. Thank you, Mr. Messina for the great memories. 

Dear Diane,  I was so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing.  I remember fondly the great shows he did and the fun they were .  Len did too. Sadly Len died in 2003,  I live at our place in VA.

You were a beautiful “Maria”, keep singing & creating,  you are so gifted - & so was Ernie-  he will be remembered always.




I am so sorry to learn of Ern's passing.  For the 40+ years that I knew him, he was a wonderfully talented man,  devoted husband to Diane and loving and supportive dad to all of his children.   No matter what was happening in his life, he always managed to conjure up a smile that radiated throughout the room.  I admired his ability to always see the best in everyone and was so encouraging; providing confidence to those who needed it.  I will always remember him from my days at Crossland Senior High, DHTA, and the Encore Dinner Theatre, as well as seeing him and his family in Orlando,  Florida where we all ended up after retiring.   God Bless you Ern!

So sorry to hear of Mr. Messina's passing.  He was our yearbook advisor my senior year in high school(1977).  I saw him many years later after I had been working for the Prince George's school system and he was assigned at Bonnie Johns Media Center.  He was a very nice friendly man, and I know he will be missed.  God bless!

I am sorry to learn of Ernie's death.  We worked together for many years at Crossland High School, and I know he had an impact on many students there.  His production and direction of many plays at the school and his work with drama in the community will long be remembered.  It is with fond memories that I think of the dinner theater we did together.  My sincere condolences to Diane and the entire family.   Carole Calhoun

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Messina.  We shared many wonderful years at Crossland High School.  I especially remember the productions he would put on during the Christmas season for the elementary students in the county.  Hundreds of students would come each morning to sit on the floor in the dreaded multi-purpose room and view the production.  This would go on for 5 - 6 days.  I also remember when we opened the TV studio and he taught a course called TV Production.  He impacted the lives of so many students.  I last spoke to Mr. Messina at the Crossland Class of '72 45th Reunion last fall.  My sincerest sympathy to the family on their loss.
God Bless!!

Edward N. Vest, Ed. D.
Crossland High School
Vice Principal - 1965 - 1983



OBITUARY

Ernest Warren Messina

January 21, 1943 – January 26, 2019

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services