ROBERT STEPHEN MESSING

1952 - 2025

MESSING, Robert Stephen Of Wellesley, MA, aged 72 years, passed away this past Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Florida, from complications related to an infection. Robert Messing, known by his loved ones as "Bob", was born at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, in Newton, MA on September 2, 1952, to Richard F. and Gertrude A. (Walsh) Messing. He grew up in Wellesley as a middle child of six on Edmunds Rd. and later, Arlington Rd. He attended Canterbury School in New Milford, CT, Class of 1971, prior to attending Boston University, where he obtained a Bachelors in Business Administration. Bob joined the National Guard in 1973 and served in Biloxi, MS, in radio transmission. Bob married Priscilla (Mullins) Messing in May 1979 at St. Paul's church in Wellesley, MA, with a reception at his parents home.  He had a longstanding and successful career in professional bartending at various establishments in the Boston area, including Ames Plow and the Allston Depot. He was known for his friendly and humorous demeanor and had many regular patrons who came into the bar to see him and enjoy his presence. Bob Messing continued his career as a professional moving consultant and salesman with North American Van lines and later, United Van lines, among others. He worked loyally for over 30 years in the industry until retiring in 2018. Throughout these years, Bob cared for his aging parents tirelessly, cooking dinner for them weekly, facilitating trips and supporting continued engagement with their family and community. Bob and Priscilla raised two children in Wellesley, MA and he was an active participant with their sports teams, performances and activities. In his retirement, Bob enjoyed a simpler lifestyle, including games of Sudoku, taking care of yard work, getting lunch at the Linden store and traveling with his wife, Priscilla. Bob enjoyed events at the Council on Aging in Wellesley, Mass at St. John's Church in Wellesley and taking trips around the New England area, including to Sunapee, NH and Cape Cod. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla Messing of Wellesley; and his children, James Messing of South Boston and Julia Messing of Boulder, Colorado. He is also survived by his five siblings, Mark, Jane, Nancy, David and Bill, whom he kept in touch with regularly; and many nieces and nephews.  Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., WELLESLEY, on Monday, March 17, at 9am, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley, at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visitation on Sunday, March 16, from 3-6pm. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Friends of Wellesley Council on Aging, www.wellesleyfriendscoa.org/donate For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781 235 4100