Michael Messina Obituary

Michael Messina
June 27, 1958 - February 16, 2021
Resident of Aptos
Mike Messina passed away peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 16 at his new forever home in TN. Born in Roseville, MI on June 27, 1958, Mike spent most of his adult life in Santa Cruz. Mike, a self-made man, earned the respect of those who knew him as a mold-maker/tool designer. In 1988, he opened his business, Design Matrix in Watsonville which he ran successfully until he retired in 2019. His many other talents extended into the kitchen where he was always eager to share his latest creations. Stovetop, bar-b-que, sous vide and smoker were all part of Mike's repertoire. Mike's love of fast cars, motorcycles, reading and cooking was eclipsed only by his love of family and friends. Mike was always there for all family celebrations, ready to share the good times and the bad.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Dominick and Reba, and his Uncle Harvey Fisher. He is survived and dearly loved by his siblings: A. Russell (Paula) Messina, Deborah Messina (Dan) Raubinger, and Mark Messina (John White), his Niece and Nephew Matthew (Sandra) Raubinger and Sarah (Ross) Pursifull, his Great Nephews and Niece, Benjamin and Levi Raubinger and Grace Pursifull, Aunts and Uncles, Sue (Charles) Ragland, Barbara (Charles) Nabors, Bill Fisher, and Betty (Harvey) Fisher and many cousins.
Mike is also survived and dearly missed by his "adopted" Santa Cruz family, Anthony and Dolly Smolke, Jamie and Douglas Brooks, Andrew and Tristan Brooks, Sonia and Chris Mesa, and Derek Delong. Mike was a kind and gentle man, slow to anger and quick to laugh. His passing leaves a great void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

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Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Feb. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Messina

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11 Entries

Anthony Smolke, brother from another Mother

February 25, 2024

Gone but not forgotten! Coming up on 70 years and still wishing Mike was here to celebrate with me.

Dolly Tabieros

March 7, 2022

I can't believe Mike has been gone for just over a year...We really missed him on Thanksgiving and Christmas for he was always here with us for every holiday. It broke my heart to watch Anthony cooking without you, he is for sure missing his best friend deeply. He just bought a new grill and the first thing he said when we got it home was, " I wish Mike was here so we could try out the new grill together".
Well Mike, just meet Anthony and I when it's our turn to go and we will all be together again and untill then , Rest in peace. I love you my buddy and miss you so very much.

anthony smolke

March 7, 2021

Michael, Michael, it's been 2 weeks and I miss you more every day. Some days , I can't believe you left me. We were supposed to be pals forever. Rest easy, old friend. Save me a seat.

Vivian Smolke

March 3, 2021

Mike was my brother's best friend for so long and I was able to see him whenever I had the opportunity to visit Santa Cruz. He was always very engaging and funny, easy to be around, and kind. He was a true gentleman. Our hearts are broken to say goodbye to this fine man too soon. My condolences to all of his family and friends. RIP, Mike.
Vivian

Timothy Bedard

March 3, 2021

Mike you will be missed.
A good friend with a great sense of humor.
You finally made it to your happy place in tennesse, it’s very hard to comprehend you are gone.
Rest In Peace Mike, we will see you again someday

frances

March 2, 2021

I met Mike some 30 plus years ago through Anthony and Dolly. Mike and I were in their wedding.My fondest memory of Mike were his excellent barbecues he had at his home in Aptos.....I will miss his presence during the holidays. RIP Mike

Jamie

March 2, 2021

I was deeply saddened and in shock to here about Micheal Messinas passing. Mike has been a huge part of our family for so long it’s hard to believe he’s no longer with us. He was always with my family for every barbecue, birthday, holiday, and any other special occasion or family function we had. I’ve worked with Mike at his shop and at his home and he was a sweet, caring, thoughtful, and honest man who I enjoyed spending time with. We’ve had many long talks together about everything you can possibly think of, politics, family, friends, religion, real estate, news, our health , our futures and our past. I know that is one thing I’m gonna miss the most, not being able to pick up the phone and call him just to see how he’s doing. I miss you right now Mike.
My condolences to his family back East, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.
Jamie Brooks and family.

Carmelita McGhee

March 2, 2021

I am so sorry to hear the news of Mike’s passing. I was part of MIke’s Santa Cruz family. My husband Boots and I spent many Christmases and barbecues with Mike at Dolly and Anthony’s house through the years. We always enjoyed his company . He was the nicest person and we had great conversations all the time. Again I am truly sorry and I feel your loss. Aloha Mike. Carmelita McGhee.

Dolly Tabieros

March 1, 2021

I met Mike with his best friend Anthony 33yrs. ago and we became good friends from the start. When I married Anthony I got a twofer, a husband and a brother at the same time. They were a package deal and I was fortunate to get two wonderful men in my life. The three of us did everything together, we had so many good times and there are so many great memories that I will cherish. Mike was always there not only for me but for my entire family, he was so generous of himself. Mike's passing has left an emptiness in our family and our hearts just ache. We were blessed to have shared the last 33yrs. with him and he will never be forgotten.....He is family now and forever..... Love you Mike

Sonia Mesa

March 1, 2021

Good bye my friend... you have been part of our Family for so long so many celebration and Holiday’s we have all shared together... football games, bbq, birthdays, Christmas, etc... the list goes on you have always been with us...and you will always continue to be be with us forever. Greet me at the door when I get there ... I’m sure you will... I will always love you... see for now.

Michael LoDico

February 28, 2021

Saddened to hear of Mike's passing. As a long time business associate, I send my condolences to his family and friends.

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