John S. Messa Jr.

John S. Messa, Jr., 82, of Marcy, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, surrounded by his beloved family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 19, 1943, in Utica, New York, John was the son of the late John S. Messa, Sr. and Gladys (Kowalczyk) Messa. John served in the United States Naval Reserve, enlisting in June 1960, and went on active duty in the United States Navy in October 1961. He served aboard the USS Charles H. Roan (DD-853), which participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis. John achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and received two naval commendations for exemplary service. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran and held a deep love for his country. On August 3, 1963, John married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Genevieve Mandia, at St. Peter's Catholic Church. They shared a loving and blessed union of 62 years and were the proud parents of five children, including the late Deborah Ann Messa. John was employed for 23 years as a Hot-Stick Lineman with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and served as Vice President of Local 310 IBEW during part of his tenure. After retiring from Niagara Mohawk, he entered the field of sales and marketing, retiring in 2008. Those who had the opportunity to know John often said, "What a great guy." He made friends wherever he went, always viewing strangers as potential friends. He was generous with his time, always willing to help others and put people before himself. Many may remember seeing him at a Blackjack or Craps table, or in front of a slot machine at Turning Stone Casino - a place he found relaxing and where he loved meeting new people. John enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing, hunting, golf, and watching NASCAR races. He was an avid New York Yankees fan. Exceptionally handy, he took pride in building and remodeling homes, and especially enjoyed helping his children with their own home improvement projects and vacationing together as a family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Genevieve, and his children: Jeffrey (Ann Marie) Messa, Mark (Theresa) Messa Sr., Michelle Messa, and James (Kristin) Messa. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Mark (Carolyn) Messa Jr., Anthony Messa, Lauryn Messa, and Gavin Messa; great-grandchildren: Madelyn Messa and Mark Messa III; and many nieces and nephews. John also leaves behind his beloved dog, Bella, with whom he shared a very special bond. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Funeral services will be on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Historic Old St. John's Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Lori Brinkley and John's niece, Paula Mandia, for their unwavering support during his illness. They also wish to express deep gratitude to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Strong Memorial Hospital and the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester - with a special thank-you to Katie, whose care and compassion during John's final hours will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feed Our Vets (www.feedourvets.org) or Tunnel to Towers (www.2t2.org). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Messages of sympathy at www.kowalczykfuneralhomes.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.