ROSARIO J. MESSINA

     Rosario J. “Rosie” Messina, 90, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Rosario’s wife, Rita R. (Cook) Messina passed away in 1992. He is survived by his son, Thomas Messina, Sr. and his wife Mary Ann of Worcester; his daughter, Roseann Corcoran and her fiancé Frank Best of Uxbridge; his sister, Marie Dattis of Shrewsbury; nine grandchildren, Sean and Sarah Corcoran, Thomas Messina, Jr., Daniel Messina, Angela Vivlamore, Hannah Perry, Josiah Messina, Rebekah Cressman and Micah Messina; sixteen great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by three brothers, Louis, Samuel and Sebastiano Messina; two sisters, Yolanda Paquin and Eleanor Zona.

Rosario was born in Worcester, a son of the late Italian immigrants Gaetano and Serafina (D’Ambra) Messina. He grew up on Shrewsbury Street where he attended Worcester Schools. He then served his country proudly during World War II for the United States Air Force. Rosario worked for the City of Worcester as a Truck Driver for over 20 years before he retired in the late 1980’s. He previously worked as an inspector for Wyman Gordon Company for 20 years. He was a member of the former St. Catherine of Sweden Church in Worcester.

Rosario was an avid golfer and was so proud to have hit a “Hole in One.” He enjoyed bowling, watching western movies, listening to country music and going to the beach. Rosario loved spending many winters camping in Florida and summers camping in New Hampshire.

A period of calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 30th from 4-7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 11 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Flowers are welcome.