Harry P. Messemer Jr.

(Courier News)

HARRY P. MESSEMER JR.
AGE: 86 SCOTCH PLAINS
Retired fire chief Harry P. Messemer Jr., 86, of Scotch Plains, and summer residence in Bel Haven Lake, South Jersey, died Monday (Sept. 22, 2008) at his home after a long illness, with his family by his side.
He was born in Newton, lived in Dunellen, and settled to Scotch Plains in 1946. Chief Messemer was with the Scotch Plains Fire Department from 1951, the year he volunteered, to his rank of chief when he retired in 1987. Previously he was employed with Exxon Research Center in Linden as a technician in the fertilizer unit, motor lab. He also for many years, worked in the building trades in the Scotch Plains area.
He was a member and former captain of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad. Chief Messemer was a World War II Army veteran; a member of Scotch Plains VFW Post 10122; a member of the North Central Jersey Exxon Annuitant Club, Persian Gulf Command Veterans and CBA (China-Burma-India) Veterans Association, Union County Fire Chief's Association, New Jersey State Fire Chief's Association, New Jersey Firemen's Association and the National Campers and Hikers Club.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Shirley Wycoff and his son, Richard Messemer; his sisters, Cora, Elenor and Doris; and his late brothers, J. Raymond and Walter.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, D. Margaret (nee Uhrie) Messemer; three daughters, Gail Vella, Kathe Weisiger and Lois Robinson; his son, John Messemer; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and his sister, Florence.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Rossi Funeral Home, 1937 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and from 10 a.m. until the service time Saturday, Sept. 27.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.