Obituary of John P. Messina

John P. Messina of East Haven passed away on January 26, 2013, at 93. Loving husband of the late Wilma Jean Messina. Born in East Haven, son of Pasquale & Christina Mascola Messina. Loving father of Mary Jean (Richard) Krenkel of Campe Verde, AZ, Donna Serviss of East Haven, Janet Kenyon of East Haven & John T. Messina & partner Bill McCubbin of Sag Harbor, NY. Poppy to Kimberly Kenyon Rapela (Mark), Nicole Kenyon Phelan (Raymond), Donna Serviss French (Roger), Sheryl Serviss, Christine Serviss Candelora (Anthony), Mark & Robert Serviss, Paul Spadacenta(Sheri), Linda Spadacenta Valle, Toni Spadacenta, Joann Spadacenta, Robert Spadacenta(Mindy), Peter Spadacenta (Kat) and 20 great grandchildren. Predeceased by sisters Josephine (Frank)Attand, Mildred (Anthony)Cavallaro, Eleanor (James) Costanzo, Anna(John)Rapuano, Marie(Frank) Canna & brothers Mayor FrankMessina & Constantine Fred Messina, living sister-in-laws Marie(Babe) Messina & Nellie Messina, respectively. Served in the Marine Corps during WWII, worked for Metropolitan Life, as agency manager until retiring in 1978, was handy man to all friends & family who needed something fixed or just needed someone to talk to. Served as police commissioner & redevelopment committee for East Haven, usher at St. Vincent DePaul Church with brother Frank, member & past commander of Post 89 American Legion, where he ran Soap Box Derby races, Easter Egg Hunts, & Santa Clause for their Christmas parties, Youth Rifle instructor, Coached Babe Ruth league, grand Marshall for Memorial Day Parade, belonged to Gridiron Club, Alpha Club, Annex YMA, his beloved Wing Ding Golf Group, inducted into Hall of Fame, ran time clock for many years for East Haven High School basketball & football games for great friend Frank Crisafi for 32 years, lifelong parishioner of St. Vincent DePaul Church. Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Vincent DePaul Church Friday at 11:00am, with visitation from 9:00-10:30 at Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave, East Haven. Interment with military honors to follow at East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven. In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to Orchard House Adult Day Care, 421 Shore Drive, Branford, CT 06405 where he spent many happy days of loving care when he needed it most.