Edward Messer

MESSER, EDWARD Ed Messer, Lifetime New Havener, Honored by Mayor DeStefano, Jr. John Destefano, Jr., Mayor of the City of New Haven, has proclaimed that November 18th shall be known as EDWARD MESSER day. The Mayor urged that we all learn from the example set by Edward Messer "help each other with no expectations attached and to be good friends and neighbors." Ed Messer lived his entire life in New Haven until he passed on last November 18th at the age of 90. He devoted his life to bringing joy, hope and a helping hand to all those who's path he crossed. After serving as a medic during World War II, Ed developed his own real estate business in the New Haven area. Throughout his 50-year career, he devoted a great deal of time helping low-income citizens obtain affordable apartments and homes and never stopped helping them. In fact, Ed was one of the first to provide comfortable and attractive low-income housing for the City of New Haven. One of Ed's strong ethical beliefs was that everyone has equal value as human beings. In Ed's eyes, the custodian of a company had equal value and deserved to be treated with the same respect and consideration as the president of that company. He also believed that all of us would be happier if we focused on what we can contribute rather than on what we can receive. Ed's life bore witness to the fact that his actions were always true to his values and beliefs. Ed was a major philanthropist in New Haven, with a tangible symbol of that being the Cosgrove, Marcus, and Messer Gymnasium at Albertus Magnus College. As expressed by Mayor Destefano, "the generosity of spirit, friendship and brotherhood was embodied in the full life of Edward Messer." Ed was the cherished husband of Carol Messer for 64 years; beloved father of Jane and Karen Messer; adored father-in-law of William Watters; loving grandfather of Robert, Michael, Suzanne, David and Marisa; and a distinguished citizen of New Haven. He was also an active member of the Boys Scouts, Probus Club, and many other civic organizations in New Haven. Ed will be forever be remembered for his integrity; gentleness; and most of all, his kindness and generosity to all. So on November 18th, proclaimed Edward Messer Day, let us all take a moment to remember a model citizen of our City of New Haven.