Raymond D. Messina Jr.

1946 - 2022

With a heavy heart, we mark the end of an incredible life. Raymond D. Messina Jr., age 75, passed away March 8, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Raymond was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 24, 1946, to Elaine C. Messina and Raymond D. Messina Sr., both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife Susan L. Messina, and son Stephen R. Messina. He is also survived by grandson Stephen R. Messina Jr., sister Margaret Ural (David Sr.), brother Wayne Messina Sr. (Vicki), sister-in-law Helen Keetch (Danny), brother-in-law Michael Arton (Bonnie), nieces and nephews David Ural Jr. (Jeune), Thomas Canale (Natalie), Jason Ural (Alison), Wayne Messina Jr. (Alison), Erin Henry (Mike), Jennifer Reed (Jason), Dan Keetch, Courtney Keetch and wonderful, loving, extended families in New Orleans, Lafayette and Texas. Raymond attended St. Francis Xavier and graduated from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. He also attended Louisiana State University. Raymond and family lived in the New Orleans area for the entirety of his life. He served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1967 to 1973. He began his professional career with Schwegmann's Bank and later became Vice President of Jefferson Bank. Raymond became the Co-Owner and Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Distributors in 1977. Along with Wayne Messina Sr., Elaine Messina and Margaret Ural, Eagle Distributors became one of the largest electronics and appliance distributors in the country. Eagle Distributors evolved from a small local distributor in New Orleans to having distribution facilities in Kenner, LA., Houston, TX. and Dallas, TX. Raymond loved his family unconditionally, especially his wife Susan. They enjoyed traveling, specifically to Italy, Greece, Lake Tahoe, California wine country, Austin, San Antonio, as well as cruising in the Caribbean. Raymond enjoyed every sporting event that was available to watch, especially the Saints and LSU Tigers, and going to the weekly game with his "Card Guys" (Tom Moore, Peter Cannizaro, William Blake, Joseph Cali, Joseph Campo, Edward Ameen, Philip Hager, Julien Pembo and Mark Villavaso) and genuinely loved spending this time with his best friend Carlos Marcello. After his retirement in 2015, he and Susan enjoyed spending time with family and their beloved cats, Annie, Alfie and Ashley. The family would like to extend special thanks to the entire medical staff at East Jefferson General Hospital for their help, guidance, and support during Raymond's final days, especially the ICU staff of MK, Edrice and Ashley, who took such wonderful care of Raymond. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to a charity of your choice. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, on Friday, March 18, 2022, starting at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Funeral Mass in the Chapel at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.greenwoodfh.com.