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Matthew Messina Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Messina
Sponsored by Derek Lucchesi.
June 22, 2019
Love to all. I miss Matt beyond what I can say here. I still love him, I still miss him, and I know he is around all of us. Like you all when you pray to him Im sure you feel his presence as I do , and even at times Im not praying to him, in all those little moments when I know hes there. God Bless
June 3, 2018
As we approach yet another year of the passing of my dear friend , and son, brother , and now uncle , to the Messinas and now extended family , I still have a hole in my heart as many do.
But Ive been fortunate to see the eyes of Matty in his nephews fill that void. Yes we know he would have been an amazing uncle and father himself. But I like to think and know , for that matter , that his strengths and guidance are still transcending to them , and all of us.
Too much time has passed to feel sorry , but not enough has passed to ever forget. We reflect upon him in our own way , in our times. It may be different for each of us , but all of us , love and remember the same tiniest details and nuances of Matt. Hopefully one day this will all make sense , and we will experience the same clarity and peace that he is in. God Bless . Much love to the Messina family and all touched by his light.
Tina
December 30, 2007
Sam and Jan,
You dont know me either but Sue's son was my former husband. I am sorry for your loss and thank you for your kind words to Sue and the rest of us. Tina
Sue
December 28, 2007
Sam and Jan,
You don't know me but you sent me a beautiful letter because I too have lost a son. Thank you for that.
Valerie Messina
December 1, 2007
Happy 30th birthday Matt. I love you and miss you every day but I know you're watching out for me.
love, Val
Sam Messina
December 18, 2005
Dear Derek,
Since you opened up this quest book Jan and I have been wanting to contact you to thank you and to chat.
Just now I saw that you make another entry and I renewed my interest in contacting you.
I did a yahoo search and also called two numbers in Fl to see if they knew you since my search did not find you phone number.
Thank you very much for your caring words. I am certain that Matt has seen them and is smiling.
Me, I am glad to see them too, but I just cry. A perogative of a Dad I guess.
Give us a call, anytime, really, anytime. Our number is 518 -439-0346.
Thanks for all that you have done.
Sam
Derek Lucchesi
December 17, 2005
I will never forget the friendship I was blessed with with Matt. June 17, Dec 1, and pretty much every day still is very hard but I feel you with me. I've since seen you in my dreams and spoken with you even on the nights I haven't asked God for a sign that you are still here. We will meet again and make sense of this all. Until then, I love you and I am forever endebted to your kindness.
Christine McLaughlin
July 22, 2004
To Matty and Family -
I want you to know that there is not a day that goes by that I do not think about you and all of our adventures that we had at the house in albany with the three of us you me and Derrick... It is funny how much our lives have changed since then, you were back in school, Derek in FL and I am now back in Med School 1/2 way across the country.... who would have thought. Anyways... Your family is in my prayers daily, I know I cant even imagine how difficult this process must be for them. I miss you a lot and when I see mel on occasion in the city... we talk about the fun we had...
you will always have a special place in my heart. you were and always will be loved by all.
god bless always..
Christine McLaughlin
Kathy Fuchs
July 19, 2004
Dear Matt, I think about you every day and know that a part of you is still here with us and always will be. You will always live on in our hearts. You're one of our own special angels now, God speed, till we meet again.
Love, your cousin
Kathy
Heidi Kistinger
July 18, 2004
Sam, Janet, Tracy & Valerie,
I remember Matt as a little boy when we used to go to Brown Bungalows, ALL of us. It was always a wonderful time and the memories will never fade. You are
always in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Heidi & Kimberly
Patti Cadrette
June 15, 2004
Jan, Sam, Tracy and Valerie,
We have been thinking of you all constantly as we near the anniversary of Matt's death. You all have become such an important part of our lives and our family -- because of Matt. We are grateful for Valerie who is now helping Justin each day at school. Justin adores Val as much as he adored Matt and he treasures the times that Jan, Sam and Tracy visit him at school.
As you know, we think of Matt all the time and will be holding you all close in our hearts this week.
Patti and Mark Cadrette
Reba McCauley
May 1, 2004
Although I did not know Matt he must have been a wonderful person to have accomplished so much in life, working with children and his love for the outdoors, friends and family. He has also accomplished more then most will ever know. His gifts of life thru donation are very far reaching and he will never be forgotten. My family and I are very grateful and yet very sad and sorry for your loss.
Sam Messina
January 28, 2004
In the past I have written a note of thanks to all of you that have taken the time to remember Matt or to offer condolences to Jan, Tracy, Val and me.
I want to thank Derek for arranging for this Quest Book. I kmow that Matt appreciates it. And I want to thank you all for being there for us once again.
Late at night I sometimes come back here to read the letters. It makes me feel sad, but also good that Matt was loved and did try to help people while he was with us.
He is still with us.
I notice that you can add a picture. We have a couple real nice ones of Matt that you would enjoy seeing and in the next week we'll add a couple here.
Love to all,
Sam
Valerie Messina
December 1, 2003
Happy 26th b'day Matt. I love you.
Sam Messina
October 31, 2003
On behalf of our family I want to thank all of you for your loving and caring thoughts and rememberences of Matt. We miss him more then I can ever tell you and it so important to us that you and we remember him, speak about him and keep him in our thoughts, spoken words and hearts.
Some of the cadets may know Col. Arthur Weber from Norwich. He is a person that Matt respects a great deal and he and his brother Pete became good friends of Matt and our family, as a result of the Norwich connection. While hesitating at first, I decided to hunt with Col. Weber and my other friends this year even though there will be some heartfelt memories when we are in the Adirondacks together. But there will be good memories too. Many more of these. I will hunt with Matt's new rifle, which he loved but only used one time. I know he will like that. I know that Col. Weber, Pete, Matt's uncle Tim and others there will want to have a memorial moment for Matt. For that I will read the wonderful words that you have shared here that have helped our family. Rememberances and kind words do have a way of healing and you have already helped us and others.
Sam Messina
Derek
October 29, 2003
Matty,
Thought about you today and it was nice to laugh. I remembered that you left a huge jug of creatine weight gainer on the kitchen counter in the apartment and a mouse chewed through it and set up shop in there and eventually invited his friends to live in the jug. For weeks we heard the digging but couldn't figure out where it was coming from. After all the traps, nothing. Then I picked up the jug and four to five TREMENDOUS mice began falling out of the hole in the bottom. That was the stuff that made Mark Mc Guire and Sammy so big but never worked for us. I remembered watching you freak as you began jumping up and down and almost ran through the wall. I remember being right behind you as we ran out into the street! Just one of many crazy things when we lived together I thought of.
I miss our talks on the stoop about girls and life till all hours of the night. I miss passing the football in the street and our BBQ- Sunday football taigates in the apartment. Stupid arguments over the dumbist topics. You breaking the handle on the only toilet on the bachelor party bus by mistake and so much more. I love you pal.
Joseph Garza
October 24, 2003
Matt was a good friend and a good man. I will miss him. Joseph Garza
Tanya Sterba
October 24, 2003
I am so sorry for your loss.
Rebekah Reyes
October 13, 2003
It is hard to know that Matt is gone, I will truly miss him. Having him as a Cadre my freshman year, then as a friend, he added much to my life. Easy-going, happy, and a lover of life, he will forever hold a place in my heart. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Angela Gannon
October 6, 2003
The Messina Family,
I just found out about Matt. My deepest sorrows go out to your family. I met him my freshman and stayed friends with him up until he left to go into the Marine Corps. He was one of the greatest, most laid-back guys that I have ever met. Your family and Matt will always be in My Prayers.
Matt West
October 6, 2003
Dear Messina family,
Matt was one of my cadre during my freshmen year. I admired him for his honesty, beliefs, and sense on humor. He was professional and a mentor for anybody willing to follow. It is unfortunate we have lost touch after college. Matt's passing was a huge loss to the community.
Many blessings to the whole Messina family.
v/r
Matt West
Erik Clare
October 6, 2003
To Matt's Family and Friends,
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all who knew Matt, or as we at Norwich called him, Messina. I can not begin to imagine the pain that some of you must feel, as I myself, am deeply moved and I have not spoken to Matt since he lived in New Jersey for a short time a few years ago.
However, all the pain that we feel only begins to truely shed light on what Matt accomplished in his short time here and his time with each of us. At Norwich I spent basically all my time with him for two years and came to truely appreciate Messina for everything that he was including being very funny, loyal with a heart of gold, quirky (he would never wear a jacket no matter how cold it was), a motivator (we lifted weights together before he went to Paris Island)and above all a great friend.
The world is less of a place without him, but our lives are so much more because of him.
Christopher Brooks
October 5, 2003
To Matt's Family, Relatives, and Friends:
Matt was a tremendous person with a great heart. He understood and valued life to the fullest.
At Norwich, there was not a day that went by that he looked the other way, he always stayed active to help others. He helped many cadets and helped his friends realize that life is to live and enjoy. At Norwich, that was hard to do.
I, as well as, Matt's Norwich friends, and the Brotherhood of 192, thank Matt for having us know such a great friend.
Many of us have lost touch over the years, but that will never change the memories we all have of him.
Matt you will be missed..God Bless
With condolences,
"Brooksie"
Brian Teague
October 5, 2003
The Messina Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I met Matt my freshman year at Norwich. To me and the rest of my rookbuddies our freshman year, he was "CPL Messina." He taught us a lot and was one of the best upperclassman we could have had as our cadre. He was always a good friend and very good person. He was well liked and was always there to help out when someone needed it. Matt will be truly missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian James
October 4, 2003
On behalf of all of Matt's friends at Norwich University, I offer my most heartfelt condolences.
Matt was known for his grace under pressure in the Corps of Cadets, his natural leadership, and his unquestioned loyalty and friendship.
Matt's life epitomized the Norwich Cadet's Creed:
"I believe that the cardinal virtues of the individual are courage, honesty, temperance and wisdom; and that the true measure of success is service rendered-to God, to Country, and to Mankind."
We love you, Matt. We'll miss you, but we'll never forget you.
Nelson Estrela
October 4, 2003
Dear Mr. And Mrs. Messina,
Words can not even begin to express how truly sorry I am for your loss. Please express my sympathy to the girls as well. I know that he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to call on me for he was more then a best friend; Matt was, and will always be, my brother.
With love always,
Nelson Estrela
Amber James
August 6, 2003
Val, I am so sorry. If you ever need anything you know that your friends are here for you.
Pat Mangi
July 14, 2003
Dear Janet & Sam:
Last Monday on my way to work I had a very sudden, quick and vivid vision of three smiling faces, Uncle Mickey, my Mom and Matt. It was so clear, like a movie or someone fanning three photos quickly. The vision came out of no where when I wasn't thinking about anything and was acutally running down the subway steps. When I got to work I realized that it was the day after my Mom's birthday. I can't help but think this was a message that they are all together and I should share it with you.
Thinking of you all, Love cousin Pat
Dani Fields
July 14, 2003
Matthew,
You left this Earth so early. We never got the chance to get to know each other. I am sorry for that.
I regret that I do not know your favorite song, or what you did when you were angry, or happy, or excited. I regret that I did not see the joy on your face when your sister graduated, or when J-man learned something new, or when you reeled in a keeper. It is my loss- My mistake. I will do my best not to make that mistake again. I want to pay attention. I want to know my family and my friends; ands I hope to get to know you better through your family.
I spent a nice weekend with Janet, Sam, Valerie and Tracy. We had the 4th of July in your honor. I am sure that you were there. I am sure that you, Uncle Mickey, and my Gram and Pop were right there with all of us. I want you to know that because of you, I learned something important this year: Every year my mom has this huge party, and all I usually do is run around, say hi and occasionally make some brief small talk with everyone. These people are my family, and I love them; but I never get to know them and become their friend. It is not enough to see everyone and just say hello, and not find out what is going on in their lives. I am going to work on that.
Another Valuable lesson you have reminded me of, is that life is so fragile- that fate is unexpected- that at anytime things can change, can end, and begin again. It is an important lesson, one that everyone learned on September 11th, and for some reason in our every day lives we forget.
Matt, we will not know why you had to leave us so early, those plans are not for us to understand. But please know that you touched so many people while you were here, and you changed their lives. Your passing also gave life to others, what a beautiful gift. I know that you are OK. I pray for you every night. Please Let Val , Tracy & Mom & Dad know you are all right. They need you. Let them feel your presence - let them know that you are still here.
Matt, please pray for us. Pray for your family. Keep us all close; and let us know you are near. We will not forget you. We will miss you until we meet again.
Love your cousin, Dani
Jessica Romano
July 11, 2003
Dear Messina Family,
I was moved by the wonderful words spoken at Matt's memorial service. I have been sharing my memories of Matt with my friends and family and I will miss him very much. Matt was the closest thing to a brother I had and he will not be forgotten. We shared so many moments, from infancy, many Christmas Eves, Easters, chuch retreats, confirmtion, graduation and the list goes on.
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family always.
Love,
Jess
Kiley Shortell
July 10, 2003
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Valerie Messina
July 8, 2003
Matt,
It breaks my heart that you're not here anymore. Tray and I miss our big brother, and Mom and Dad miss their son. So many people love you Matt. It's hard to be strong sometimes but I know you're here telling me to suck it up. I will never forget any part of you. Love You Miss You, Val (Ugly Sista Numba 1)
Mandi Sovern
July 2, 2003
To all of Matt's friends and family,
Matt was a very special individual and we will always have his warmth and kindness to remember. Keep these memories close to your hearts and he will never be forgotton.
nicole messina
July 1, 2003
Uncle Sam, Aunt Janet, Tracy, & Valerie,
Here is a little poem i came across and wanted to share with all of you. You are all in our everyday thoughts and prayers.
Though his smile
is gone forever,
And his hand we cannot touch,
still we have
so many memories
of the one we love so much.
His memory is ourkeepsake
with which we will never part.
God has him in his keeping
we have him in our hearts
Love Always,
Nicole
Emily McGrath
June 27, 2003
To all of Matt's Family and Friends,
My sympathies and thoughts are with you all.
Lana and Nick Romano
June 27, 2003
Jan, Sam Tracy, and Val
We are so truly sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking about you and pray for your family.
Matt will be in our hearts forever.
Heidi Kistinger
June 27, 2003
Dear Sam, Janet, Valerie & Tracy,
No words can express how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with you.
Heidi and Kimberly Kistinger
kathy Fuchs
June 26, 2003
Dear Matt, we will miss seeing you but we know you are still with us and always will be with us in our hearts. Good journey, till we see you again! Love your cousin Kathy & Spencer
Juanita Osment
June 26, 2003
Jan, my heart goes out to you at this time of great loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless
Juanita
Dorthea Hull
June 26, 2003
Jan,
I really didnt know Matthew that well except for when he would stop by and visit you at your desk, but I do know that he was sweetest and sincerest guy that I have ever met.
My sympathy goes out to you and your family.
GRETCHEN DAVIDSON
June 25, 2003
To the Messina family: You raised a thoughtful, caring,likable young man. Two of my grandchildren enjoyed being in "Big Matt's" class at The Children's Place. We love you Big Matt: Antonio Hill & Ah-zhane Hodges
Pam and Don Robbins
June 25, 2003
Jan, Sam, Tracy and Valerie,
We were so sorry to hear of Matt's death. It's so hard to believe that such a tragedy would happen to someone so young and full of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Matt's extended family and friends.
Scott Silber
June 25, 2003
To Matt's Family,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Matt's tragic accident. I knew Matt from his work at the Madison Grille, & Cristi and I were very fond of him. Our sympathy and prayers are with you all.
Shelby Kulls
June 25, 2003
Matt was a special person to so many people, and will be missed so much. I send my sincere condolences to family and friends.
Kim Azaceta
June 25, 2003
Tracy and family, I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through right now. I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences, Kim
Pam Villeneuve
June 24, 2003
Dear Jan and Sam,
Over the years, so many children have gone through the Children's Place and fleetingly touched the lives of the staff.......Matt, Tracey and Valerie included. There are many that were never heard from again, but a few returned "all grown up".......two being Matt and Tracy. It was wonderful to know them as adults and to have other little lives touched by them. Matt will truly be missed; he was amazing with the kids and we are all very proud of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Pam
MARY LEE HEDRICK
June 24, 2003
Sam and family - My sincere sympathy and condolences on your tragic loss. May God be with you all.
Mary Lee Hedrick
Chrisitne McLaughlin
June 24, 2003
Sam and Family -
My thoughs and prayers are with you, in this most difficult of times.
You raised a carring and thoughful son. Who will be rememberd for the outstanding person that he was.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
My deepest condolences again for the loss of your son Matt. He was a good friend to me and all the members of our softball team the BeerNuts.
May God Bless You In Your Time of Need
Sincerely
Christine McLaughlin
Derek Lucchesi
June 24, 2003
Matty,
I don't know where to begin. You are like a brother to me. For 3 years of my life,We laughed and played like brothers and sometimes even fought like brothers. I am so glad I was able to see you in October and go to the Jets game together(even though they weren't your boys in blue )we still had the best of times as always. You are a great friend- I will miss you so much. Love your pal, Derek
Ed Marois
June 24, 2003
SAM, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN THIS TRYING TIME. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Doris Clark
June 23, 2003
Dear Jan and Sam, So very, very saddened by the tragic loss of your dear son. I will be unable to attend the memorial service for Matt as I will be visiting my daughter in Maine but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you in your sorrow. Yours in Christian love, Doris Clark
Luke Bedell
June 23, 2003
Sam, Jan and Family:
My thoughts and sympathies are with you and your family. If there is ever anything you need do not hesitate to call me.
Annette Roy
June 23, 2003
Jan,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Evelyn Harris
June 23, 2003
Sam, my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
Justin Cadrette
June 23, 2003
Big Matt,
You were my best friend from the moment we met. I have so many drawings and pictures of our time together which will help me to remember you always.
Thank you for spending the day with me last month at school -- it was like old times. You read to me and was there smiling at me when I woke up.
Mom and Dad miss you as much as I do because you were a part of our family.
I know you are smiling down on me now and will always keep watching out for me.
Love, your friend forever,
Justin Cadrette (J-Man to you, Big Matt)
Pat Purcell
June 23, 2003
Sam, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
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