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BORN
1948
DIED
2017
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John Messina Obituary
John G. Messina, 68, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully Friday, September 22, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Nancy (Apuzzo) Messina. He was born in New Haven, October 23, 1948, the son of the late C. Fred and Nellie (Brooks) Messina. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves before he was a power systems engineer employed by SNET/AT&T for 45 years, retiring in March, 2015. John was an expert in his field and took great pride in being the Chairman of TEE (Telecommunications Energy Efficiency) and developed a Power Architecture that resulted in a patent for AT&T. John was a lover of life and adventure. He held a pilot's license and enjoyed flying, sailing, and riding his motorcycle. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and his interests included baseball, bowling, classic cars and technology of any kind. John loved all types of music, especially Frank Sinatra, rock and Dave Brubeck's jazz. Through the years, one of his favorite things to do was watch his daughter's dance performances and grow as a teacher of dance education. He found immense joy in being the dance Grandpa at his daughter's studio and truly loved the time he spent there with the children and his Fusion Family. John will be especially remembered for his kind heart, bright smile, and twinkling eyes. In addition to his wife Nancy, he is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Messina and her wife Angela; his sister, Doris Ehlenfeldt of New Bern, NC; his brother, Paul Messina (Marcia) of Hamden; his sister-in-law, Barbara Messina of West Haven; many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; and the brothers of the heart, Ronald Castelli, Bob Criscuolo, and David Ortoli. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Messina Sr.; and his nephew, Paul M. Messina.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., on Friday, September 29 from 4 until 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m. directly at Church of the Resurrection, 115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.wallingfordfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Messina
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
Mike Cusanelli
September 13, 2021
I had not seen John for many years. He was a high school friend. I wanted to find him. I did not expect this. My condolences to his family he was a great guy.
Lauren Tenenhaus
October 3, 2017
To John's wife, daughter, & family,
I knew him briefly from his time spent recovering at rehab, but every single interaction I had with him he always had a big smile on his face and kind words to share! Despite what health issues he was going through, he never let it get himself down, nor anyone around him. He was the type of patient that the therapists would argue over vying for the right to get to work with him! My condoloences on the loss of a great man in your family, though he has left a legacy and memories that will live on in you and others forever.
Bryan Sperry
October 3, 2017
Fond memories of growing up in West Haven with John and the Messina family: drum and bugle corps, American Legion picnics and parades. The smile is eternal.
Vin & Elaine Costanzo
September 29, 2017
Elaine and I wish to extend our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate John's life. It was fitting to see his photo with that "Messina" smile. Remembering the "good times".
Ken Biholar
September 28, 2017
I worked with John on the ATIS Technical Committee for Energy Efficiency. He was an excellent leader who effectively moved our work forward. I am sorry for your loss. May his memory be eternal.
Betsy Hally
September 28, 2017
Nancy ,Kayt and family,my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loving husband and father. He will be forever missed.
Rita Nagorski
September 27, 2017
Dear Nancy and Kayt,
We are saddened to hear of the loss of our dear Cousin Johnny. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you both at this sad time.
John was a terrific person and he will remain in our hearts and always be remembered.
God Bless.
Love,
Cousins Rita and John
Stephanie Gibbons
September 27, 2017
Nancy, Kayt, Angela and family - I truly don't have the right words to say. John, what a special soul he was. For so many of Kayt's friends/students he was like a second father and I am sure to his peers he was like a brother. Such a kind, caring man. I am so glad I knew him. I loved my chats with him after classes as he was cleaning up at the studio. Kayt, you truly were the apple of his eye, it was written clearly on his face. Nancy, you and John were in my eyes what a married couple should be. He touched so many lives, not many are blessed with that. He will be missed. My prayers for strength and understanding are with you all.
Jeff Whitmire
September 27, 2017
I knew John only through work in ATIS and AT&T. I do know that through all the work we did together at various meetings, in different places, His eyes would always brighten and that smile would come across his face, anytime we discussed his family. God bless you, John was a great man who loved his family, enjoyed life, and seemed to always be able to make a friend.
Michael Castellano
September 27, 2017
We had a great time at ND, my brother.
God be with you always.
Mike C.
ND-1966
September 27, 2017
Nancy - so sorry for your loss. Mary & Russ Powers
Thomas Keating
September 26, 2017
I was not very close friend of John at SNET. However, when we both discovered we were Notre Dame graduates a casual friendship developed. When John wrote a technical SNET document, I would approach him to help me understand what material to order. John knew my degree was in finance and not in engineering fundamentals. After John retired he came to the Over the Hill SNET retiree lunches. We became closer friends and enjoyed each others company with many laughs and smiles. I was really amazed and astonished that he enjoyed riding motorcycles. To look at John you would never think of him as a bike rider. I knew from the retiree lunches John had serious medical problems. Before his passing, truly I prayed to Saint Faustina secretary of our Lords Divine Mercy to be there for John at his hour of death. I will continue to pray for John to watch over his family and mined!
September 26, 2017
Nancy,Kayt and Angie,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
We will never forget the smile on his face the day he saw his beautiful daughter on her wedding day.
Love to all,
Chris and Dennis
David Milas
September 26, 2017
John helped everyone he could with his wonderful experiences and education. I worked briefly with him at ATIS, and enjoyed the time he generously shared. Always a mentor, teacher, and kind friend.
Al Bergman
September 26, 2017
Nancy, Kayt, I worked with John in the AT&T Common Systems Power Group for several years. He was always available to help everyone with his expertise on power technical issues. We shared many interests, and I remember how proud he was of his family and when his daughter was married. We will all miss John and his kind heart, but can look forward to seeing him again in God's Kingdom. He will continue to watch over your family. Our prayers are with you.
Laura Hansen Behling
September 26, 2017
Nancy, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Edward Cavallaro & Family
September 26, 2017
Nancy and Kayt, we are so sorry for your loss. Johnny was such a dear and loving man who wore his heart on his sleeve. He will truly be missed. Johnny was a wonderful husband and father. May God grant you peace and bless you with the many memories you have made as a family, our thoughts and hearts go out to you both during this difficult time.
John Messina
September 26, 2017
Dear Nancy and Kayt,
I send you my love and condolences. What a great man, husband, dad, brother, uncle, cousin, friend. Always a smile. It's been an honor to share this name with you. An honor I will carry with me always.
Love, Johnny
debi reynolds
September 26, 2017
Kayt, Nancy and Angela there are no words to express my sadness for your great loss. John was a wonderful person always with a smile and kind word. Even in his own health struggles he would ask how I was feeling. That's just how amazing a person he was. Kind, selfless and caring. I know you can never get over losing such a loving husband, father and father in law but thankfully he has left you with so many great memories as well as that smile and twinkly eyes (just like the cheshire cat). Gone but never forgotten. Love you all!
Dick Rohde
September 26, 2017
It was a pleasure to have known and worked with John at SNET.
Mary Kenney
September 26, 2017
Kayt, Nancy & Angela my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad,husband & father-in-law. John was such a wonderful man always had a smile. My love & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Kristy Uhlan
September 25, 2017
Nancy, kayt, ang, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man who made us all feel the love just by his smile. I thank you all so much for sharing such a wonderful person with us all! He was truly the Grampa to all of your dance students! He will be greatly missed but we know he'll always be looking down on us all! Please know how special you all are and how much your loved! May god help you through this difficult time and ease your pain. I know there are no words to take the pain away but know he is always with you all. ❤
Suzan Monaco
September 25, 2017
Nancy, Kayt, Angela and family, My love and prayers are with you at this difficult time. John was one that will never be forgotten. Loved his smile! Love you, Suzy Monaco
Dan Verselli
September 25, 2017
I am grateful for the opportunities I had to meet and speak to John. Though I knew him for a relatively short amount of time, I could easily see that he was a great man with a tremendous love for life! On a side note, I may know a guy who could put that Santa suit to good use for years to come!!
"A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way."
He nailed it when it came to you, Kayt. My prayers are with you all.
beth+orlando sousa
September 25, 2017
Nancy and Katie, so sorry for your loss of a sweet man in John he will be missed, he is with the angels now in peace god bless you both
Francine and Rich Russo
September 25, 2017
Nancy and Kayt. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. He was a great person who always had a smile for everyone. May God grant you peace and bless you with the many memories you have made as a family
Stephanie Avallone
September 25, 2017
To my Uncle John with the Cute Face. The man who created a special dance (The Little Reggero) to make me laugh when I was three and thoughtfully explained to me why his Christmas tree came out of a box and needed to be put together, but mine did not when I was four. The man who spent hours teaching me how to swim and dive, and even more hours trying to help me pass middle, high school, college and graduate school math. The man who watched and cheered me on at dancing (even the early years when watching was painful) and at softball (where watching was always painful). The man who stood in line for over 2 hours in the rain so I could ride Dumbo at Disney and always shared his peanut butter crackers with me. The sweet and patient man who loved me and stood behind me whether I got life right or wrong.
I will love and miss you forever. You helped make my life wonderful.
Xoxo,
Punkin'
To Auntie, Kayt, and Angela: Tom and I are so sorry for the loss of Uncle John. We love and are here for you always. We know that Uncle John will be watching over you and cheering you on to enjoy many adventures.
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Memorial Events
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Sep
29
Calling hours
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
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Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
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