Samuel Messina

Samuel Michael Messina, our family's patriarch, quietly departed this life on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at the age of 90, with family and friends by his side.
He was born May 6, 1931, in Oakmont, PA where he lived most of his life.
Sam graduated from Oakmont High School in 1949 and served in the Army in the Korean War. He earned an associate degree from Robert Morris University and worked as an accountant for Pivirotto Chevrolet and Bill McCracken Oldsmobile in West Homestead, PA for more than 30 years before retiring in 1993. Sam was a talented Big Band and Jazz tenor saxophonist and clarinetist, playing in many professional bands in his youth. Later in life, he took up building and flying a variety of model airplanes. He could often be found watching WWII documentaries and enjoyed his pipe or a good cigar with family and friends. Sam belonged to the American Legion, Post 764 in Springdale and was a life member of the VFW, Post 92 in Lower Burrell.
Sam was of the Christian faith and wholeheartedly served the Lord for fifty years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Salvatore and Julia (Albani) Messina, brother Anthony Messina and sister Mary Ann Jordan.
Sam is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 71 years, Elsa Jean (Piccinini) Messina and their eight children: Linda (Jack) Lydick, Daniel (Marti) Messina, David (Vicki) Messina, Matthew (Linda) Messina, Paul (Rhonda) Messina, Laura Amos, Teresa (David) Brennan, and Marie (Daniel) Hinkelman, a brother James (Vivian) Messina, 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held with burial in Deer Creek Cemetery, Cheswick. Arrangements were handled through the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES INC. Oakmont