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Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home - Braintree

845 Washington Street

Braintree, Massachusetts

Francis Messina Obituary

Francis X. Frank Messina , of Braintree, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2017, surrounded by his family, at the age of 91. Francis X. Messina was born and raised in Braintree. An orphan at a young age, he and his four brothers were raised by his loving sister, Grace. He quit school at the age of 14, borrowed $400 and bought his first pickup truck. He rented the truck to local companies and before long he had made enough money to buy a bulldozer. With all the money he earned, he would turn around and purchase land. This strategy of buying, developing, and selling land became Franks blueprint for success. Over the years some of his proudest accomplishments were the Monatiquot Village, which provides affordable housing for so many. He converted the former Braintree High school into apartments while preserving the historical integrity of the building. He was the largest financial donor, which was instrumental in the development of the Thayer Public library. Frank attained his pilots license and served as a member of the Mass. Aeronautics Commission. He was a key financial donor to the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, which bears his name on the surgical and maternity wing in addition to the Messina Family Neonatal Unit. After serving in the Marine Corps he returned to his hometown of Braintree where he married, settled down and raised four children. Over the years his small construction company quickly grew into the very successful real estate investment, development and management company, F. X. Messina Enterprises. One of his fondest memories is when he travelled to France where he erected a memorial statue in the town of Metz to honor his late brother Joseph and his comrades who lost their lives in the Battle of Metz during WWII. While his philanthropic endeavors were more meaningful to him than even his professional success as a developer, he took great pride in knowing he was able to help the people in his South Shore community, particularly in his hometown of Braintree, which he was very passionate about. Frank was the loving father of Christine Messina of Braintree, Marisa ODwyer and her husband William of Braintree, Beverly Fernald and her husband Joseph of Braintree and Francis X. Messina Jr. of Braintree. Grandfather of Shannon Chaplain of Braintree, Thomas Keefe Jr of Braintree, Andrew Rice Jr. of Braintree, Christine Rice of Braintree, William ODwyer Jr. of Rockland, Ryan ODwyer of Franklin, Randy ODwyer of Braintree, Danielle ODwyer of Braintree, Joseph Fernald Jr. of Braintree, Jaimee Fernald of Braintree, Sean Fernald of Braintree, Francis X. Messina III of Hingham, Michael Messina of Hingham, Jacqueline Messina of Hingham and the late Michael Fernald. Great-grandfather of Samantha Chaplain, Alexis Chaplain, Dylan Chaplain, Aidan Chaplain, Rory ODwyer, Ellie ODwyer, Nora ODwyer, Owen ODwyer and Connor ODwyer. Brother of the late Nunzio Messina, Tarzan Messina, Grace Messina, Domenic Messina and Joseph Messina. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Reposing at the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington Street, Braintree until 11:15 a.m on Friday, July 21, followed by a funeral Mass at noon in St. Clare Church, 1244 Liberty Street, Braintree. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours Thursday, July 20 from 3 | 8 p.m. Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in Franks name to Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 or Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Dr., Rockland, MA 02370. To leave a sympathy message for the family, please visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com.

Published by The Patriot Ledger from Jul. 19 to Jul. 20, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for Francis Messina

Sponsored by Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home - Braintree.

Not sure what to say?





I just heard about your passing - I am so sorry. What a positive force you were while in this world. You were so helpful and so very kind -during my stay in Braintree. You taught me a lot about Braintree and real estate - and, never hesitated to give valued advice and guidance. THANK YOU!

Brenda Finchum

August 22, 2017

Christine Messina

August 15, 2017

Anita MacDonald Hatch

August 14, 2017

Anita MacDonald Hatch

August 14, 2017

Dear Chris and Family,
My sincerest, heartfelt sympathies for your Father's passing.
His life story was truly remarkable.

with Love,
Rachel

Rachel Levinson Beckman

July 31, 2017

A long life.... the $400.00 for the truck, I heard that story from my Dad from a very long time ago, my Grandfather was the lender.... I also smiled when I drove by the Messina buildings - wish I had known him

Sandie D

July 27, 2017

Linda Tenofsky

July 24, 2017

what a great man. he treated us employees like family. he was very generous. they don't make men like him anymore. i had the honor of getting yelled at by him for almost 40 years. But i knew he loved me. i miss him so much. what a fun career he let me take part in. Never a dull day...ever.

wayne kauranen

July 21, 2017

wayne kaurabnen kauranen

July 21, 2017

Frank and I go back many years. I am proud to have known him and talked about our relationship until his ears had to be burning. I always held him up to young people as an example of the American dream. Frank was proof that the American dream is still alive and well. What s the American dream? Frank personified it. Its having the freedom in the United States to work as hard as you wish and use the skills that you are endowed
with by your Creator to go as far as these skills will take you. It is not a level playing field, some have to work harder than others but possible for all. Frank always shared the fruits of his success with those less fortunate.

After 92 years the Good Lord has called Frank back. As long as I can I will always use Frank Messina as the example to teach young people about the American dream.

Gerald "Jerry" Abrams

Friend

July 21, 2017

Gayle LeBlanc Zuchowski

July 21, 2017

Frank was a friend and a great guy.He was a very generous man. I was on the Fire Dept. and did a fund raiser for thermal imaging cameras after the Worcester six were killed in the cold storage warehouse. Frank made a donation of $25,000. When Car 2 was in an accident Frank gave me $1,500.00 for the New lights. Like I said Frank was a very Generous Man. God Bless you Frank and your family. Bobby Dyer retired Braintree Fire.

July 21, 2017

Thoughts and prayers are with all the Messina family. Although I was blessed at knowing him at a later stage in life, he was certainly the greatest gift God could put on this earth. Hoping you find peace in knowing he is up with God and always looking down on you all.

Julie Roberts

July 21, 2017

My parents Jack & Florence Marshall were close friends of Frank & his wife. They thought "the world" of Frank and how generous he was. I remember Frank when I was growing up and have always admired his business enterprises. I will keep him in my prayers.

Jack Marshall, Jr

July 21, 2017

We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. He is in Heaven now all our love Kenny Oneill and family

Janet Oneill

Friend

July 20, 2017

Under the assumption that all we are is how we treat each other and nothing more, Frank Messina was a friend to our family. My Dad (fellow WWII Marine Vet) was principal of the Watson School in East Braintree, and mentioned a few times the things that Frank would do anonymously to help struggling families in the neighborhood. When my wife Linda and her friends were struggling to raise money to build a playground for our kids at the Hollis School, Frank challenged his Sons of Italy brothers and paid the bulk of the cost. It was at Liberty School when our children attended we met Franks's two daughters Marisa and Beverly and the wonderful O'Dwyer and Fernald families. As for me, the first time I met Frank I was leaving a store, recognized him, and stopped to thank him for the help he provided my wife. From then on, whenever I met him in town, it was always on a first name basis. All we are is how we treat each other and nothing more. Thanks Frank!

John Wells

July 20, 2017

I was very sad to hear of Franks passing.My dad thought alot of the man.He was franks mechanic his name was Gubby.

Scott robertson

July 20, 2017

Frank, Your friendship will always be cherished and never forgotten. I will always remember you as one of a kind and I have always
been and always will be proud of you as long as I live. You set the example for todays young people as to what the American dream is all about.

You are with God now and He will always bless you, you are one of His best.

Jerry

"Jerry" Abrams

July 20, 2017

"jerry" Abrams

July 20, 2017

To the Messina family:
Never forgot where he came from
Always,always generous and kind
His heritage was his lifeline
A humble man with a brilliant mind...

Much love,
Marta and Roy

Marta Googins

July 20, 2017

To the Messina Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

I H

July 20, 2017

RIP my friend without a doubt one of the best so many wonderful things you did for so many no one will ever know think of you fondly you will be missed Bob & Kate Colasanti

Kate Colasanti

July 19, 2017

RIP Frank Messina of Messina Enterprises in Braintree. I am sad to see that he passed but shocked to see that he was 91 years old. He was a kind & generous man who started off as an orphan raised by his older sister. He became a very successful businessman who owned so much realty in Braintree & surrounding towns. Above all he never forgot his roots & where he came from. I can't believe it's been so many years since I was acquainted with him. He was a good friend of my former boss in Braintree at Dominic's. He always had time to dole out good advice. Thinking of his friends & family. The world could use more men like him. RIP FrankMessina. .

Brenda "Marie" M.

July 19, 2017

To the Messina Family, may you find peace in the memories of your father and the good times that you have shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Casino Wharf f/x staff

July 19, 2017

To one of the most generous and caring person Rest In Peace

Pat and darry Henderson

July 19, 2017

So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man, kind and caring. Our sympathy to all. Penni Robbins (Shipp)

Penni Robbins (shipp)

July 19, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Messina Family. He was a great sincere and generous man. I catered for him many years ago at his Braintree Home on New Years Eve. He was such a pleasant person to work with. He wanted to please everyone. He had a fantastic parrot that performed for his guests. Loved animals so much that he owned a pig called (Delta) She was so talented she could play the piano when told to. Many fond memories of him.He will be remembered for all of his contributions to the town of Braintree and surrounding towns. May he rest in Peace. Elizabeth Sherman

July 19, 2017

Christine, Marisa, Bev and Frankie - I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a good man who was very generous to all of those in need. I learned a great deal from Frank and will always appreciate what he did for me during the 10 years I worked for him. He will be missed.

Brian Lafauce

July 19, 2017

Hi Chris, Marisa, Bev and Frank,

My heart goes out to all of you! I loved your family and spent more time at your home than any place else growing up. You were the best friends and always the happy place to be. Bev, you were always so good to your parents and each of you are kind giving. Wish I could be north for the services. Your southern soul mate! Thinking of you all XOXO Paula Deschenes Miller

July 19, 2017

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

JACK CALLAHAN

July 19, 2017

A great loss for our community as well as family and friends. A caring thoughtful and generous person. His generousity and memory will live on in our town and the South Shore Hospital as well. Fondly The Nicholson Family ,Braintree, Ma.Add your message here.

Gail Nicholson Peacock

July 19, 2017

Hi;Memories of our loved ones are one of they ways they live on in the afterlife. My Dad spoke often of his friendship with Frank, struggles, hard work, and accomplishment.! I was in owe of how things could be accomplished with drive and determination. Your Dad was very helpful to my Mom, Dad, and myself.! I am still proud to look up and see his name as I visit our home town.! My best to all of you.! JP Sweezey and Family.

JP Sweezey

July 19, 2017

Dear Christine, Marisa, Bev and Frankie, My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you now. I wish you comfort coping with your loss. Love, Kaki

Kathy ( Riley) Doherty

July 19, 2017

Fond memories of Frank over the years at Bella's in Braintree. Condolences to his loving family.

Susan King Kernan

July 19, 2017

Frank jr., ... and the rest of the Messina family, I'm very sorry to hear of Franks passing, he was a great and very good man, Ill miss selling him thousands of golf balls for the big garbage bag in his office, I'm gonna miss him, Kristin and I will say a prayer for him

Steve DEThomaso

July 19, 2017

Remembering your great love story today and always.

Lina Fratto

July 19, 2017

Dear Christine, Marisa, Bev and Frankie,

I am so sorry about your dad. He was a wonderful and generous man to Braintree and many of us. I will treasure the childhood memories I have of clamming with Uncle Frank and the many times he gave us rides to the rink in his Lincoln. He took care of his family and others who needed help, not for the recognition but because he believed it was the right thing to do. My deepest sympathy and love to you and your families.

Love,
cousin Lauren and family

Lauren McGerigle

July 18, 2017

Dear Christine, Marisa, Beverly and Frankie,
This is such a great loss for you and for all who knew your father. So many knew him as an accomplished and generous businessman who became a legend in our home town and some knew him as a loyal and true friend but you knew him better than everyone as your dad and as a wonderful grandfather to your children. He was a great guy. I send my heartfelt condolences. xx

Sandra Colman

July 18, 2017

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Memorial Events
for Francis Messina

Jul

20

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home - Braintree

845 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184

Jul

21

Reposing

11:15 a.m.

Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home - Braintree

845 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184

Jul

21

Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

St. Clare Church

1244 Liberty Street, Braintree, MA

Funeral services provided by:

Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home - Braintree

845 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184

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