Roy P. Messenger

Roy Philip Messenger, 81, a longtime education professional in the local area, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. Roy was born on June 12, 1934 in Westfield, the last surviving of 5 children of the late Herbert and Thelma (Anderson) Messenger. Raised in Springfield, he graduated from Classical High School and lived in Chicopee for the past 55 years. He went on to attain his bachelors and masters degrees from Westfield State University. Roy was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps where he served his country proudly. He was a Special Education teacher in the City of Springfield for 35 years retiring in 1995. Following his retirement he acted as the interim principal at various local schools. He will be remembered as a caring, giving and loving man. Roy supported the Chicopee Senior Center, was an avid reader, loved movies, travel, playing cribbage and dominoes. Roy leaves behind his dear wife of 25 years, Dr. Shirley Alvira, his devoted children: daughter, Linda Stitts and her husband Gregory of Plano, TX, son, Paul M. Messenger and his wife Kelly of Montgomery, TX, daughter, Ann Messenger of Boston; step-children, Dr. Felix Carrillo of Puerto Rico and Abner Rivera of Chicopee; his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Justin Messenger and his wife Emily, Emma Grace and Austin Messenger, Sarah, Ryan and David Stitts, Ximar, Alejandro and Isabella Carrillo, Yadner and Luna Rivera. Also left behind are several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. Family and friends are invited to calling hours for Roy on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 at the Corridan Funeral Home, 333 Springfield St., Chicopee from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service to be held at 4:00. The burial will be held on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 beginning with a period of final visitation in the funeral home at 9 a.m. followed by Committal Prayers and Military Honors being offered in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions in Roy's name to Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Missionary Fund, 37 Wilkes St., Springfield, MA, 01119 or to the Disabled American Veterans, 425 Union St., West Springfield, MA, 01089.