Obituary of Francis A. Messina

Frank A. Messina 67 years, husband of Rita M. (Capodilupo) Messina of Peabody, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday. Mr. Messina was born March 7, 1938 in Boston son of the late Diego and Teresa (Augello) Messina. He was raised in Everett and graduated from Everett High School class of 1957. During his high school years he was an athlete who played baseball, football, and excelled in track and field. He served in the United States Navy from July 1957 to July 1959 and remained as a reservist until March of 1962. In 1959 following his service he played at the spring training camp with the Milwaukee Braves but was unable to make the final cut. Mr. Messina was employed for 32 years at Polaroid Corporation in Waltham retiring in 1989 as an operations manager. While at Polaroid he enjoyed playing ping-pong with his coworkers and also played on the softball team in Everett. He was an avid gofer and enjoyed cooking as a hobby. In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Francis A. Messina Jr. and Bonnie Messina of Beverly, Richard E. Messina of Concord NH; a daughter, Cheryl A. Messina of Framingham; a brother and his wife, Peter Chippy and Robin Messina of Everett; 2 sisters and their husbands, Corinne and Gerry Connor of FL, Diane and Al DeLoretto of GA; 8 grandchildren, Danielle M. Messina of Peabody, Pamela and David Messina both of Brockton, Eric, Matthew and Francis A. Messina III all of Beverly, Nicholas and Abby Messina of NC and many nieces and nephews. A service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 20 Church St. location Peabody. Relatives and friends may pay their respects Monday from 5 - 8 p.m. Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence MA 01843.