Donald J. Messaglia

Current Bingo Caller for Hoosier Village Retirement Community and retired CPA Donald J. Messaglia concluded his life on earth peacefully on March 6, 2025. Born in Spring Valley, Illinois, on December 28, 1933, to John and Francis Messaglia, he was predeceased by his parents, his brother Jim, and Jim's wife, Norma.
Donald grew up in Ottawa, Illinois and after graduating from Marquette High School by a razor thin margin he enlisted in the Air Force in 1952. He soon found himself flying a Smith Corona typewriter in Japan. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent in 1956 and enrolled at Northern Illinois University to earn an accounting degree. Thanks to the work ethic and dedication instilled in him by his military service, he earned his degree in three years while working full time. Upon graduation, he joined the accounting firm McGladrey (now RSM) in Des Moines, Iowa. While working at McGladrey, he met and fell in love with Miss Susan (Morgan) Messaglia, who would forever live in his heart as the love of his life. Don and Sue married on August 31, 1963, in Des Moines.
He was transferred to the South Bend office of McGladrey as its Managing Partner shortly after the birth of their first daughter in 1966. Together, they raised three children committing themselves to the South Bend community and Notre Dame sports. Don supported his family during Sue's long bout with cancer. They had many friends in the South Bend community who further supported the family during her fight. After her passing in 1987, Don committed his time to his family and eventually his grandchildren.
His years with McGladrey were immensely rewarding, as he cherished working alongside many friends, colleagues, and clients, fostering lasting relationships and achieving remarkable success. Following his retirement from McGladrey in 1990, he kept active working with American Containers in Plymouth, Indiana, and volunteering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Plymouth, Indiana, where he would remain until he was 82. This period was marked by working with friends and enjoying lunches with them.
A lifelong Catholic, he never hesitated to recommend to priests how to make the Mass slightly briefer. He moved to Indianapolis in 2016 to be closer to his children and their families. He lived at Hoosier Village and made many friends. His friendly nature found him calling bingo, playing euchre and helping in the health center between his daily work outs in the fitness center. A humble, funny and committed family-oriented person, he set a superlative example for his children and grandchildren.
Don is survived by his daughter Sheryl (Dennis) Dye, Michael (Elizabeth) Messaglia, and Kathy (Ron) Pelletier. He is also survived by his grandchildren Valerie (Grant) Williams, Jessica (Ryan) Kensinger, Abigail (Tyler) Laine, Bailie (Colin) Peterson, Zachery (Nicole) Messaglia, Elizabeth Messaglia, Joseph Pelletier and Jacob Messaglia. He is also survived by five great-granddaughters.
Visitation will occur at 10:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday March 15 at St. Matthew Cathedral 1701 Miami St, South Bend, IN. A Requiem Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. EDT at St. Matthew Cathedral. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana.
Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to: Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County or The Children's TherAplay Foundation in Carmel, Indiana.
Online condolences may be offered to the Messaglia family via the Palmer Funeral Home website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.