John J. Messer

John J. Messer (83) devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Sunday,

December 10, 2023. John is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janice, as well as his daughters Stephanie Perl and Julie Messer. He also leaves behind his son-in-law Adam Perl and grandchildren Ethan and Isabella Perl and William and Matthew Roby. John grew up in Dorchester, MA and spent summers at his family beach house in Scituate, MA. He graduated from Newman Prep in Boston, MA and St. Michael's College in VT, serving also in the Air Force Reserves. John moved to West Hartford, CT where he met his wife, they enjoyed family vacations with their daughters in Cape Cod and the CT shoreline and shared many fond memories boating on the CT River and Long Island Sound. After retiring from a career in banking, John and Janice moved to Old Lyme, CT where they spent the last 20 years. During retirement they also found joy spending time with friends in Naples, FL during the winter months. More than anything John loved spending time with his grandkids, whether it was watching their sporting events, attending their school functions, or just taking them out for ice cream he truly relished these special moments. John always had a twinkle in his eyes and a warm friendly smile, he was a kind, gentle, selfless man to all who knew him and will be greatly missed. He is predeceased by his parents Dr. Edward Messer and wife Anne, siblings Barbara Hugo and husband William, Fr. Paul Messer, SJ, Charles Messer, and sister-in-law, Peggy Messer and is survived by his brothers Edward, Richard and wife Ann, Robert and wife Janice, along with many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 4-7 pm at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford and a funeral mass will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 10 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Directions and online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com