Stephen P Messina

ATHENS – Stephen P. Messina, 70, of Athens, died early Saturday evening, January 16, 2016 surrounded by loving family. Born December 2, 1945 in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Angelo and Eleanora Gravallese Messina. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Weiser; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Messina and David Cornwell of Athens; a son, Jeffrey Messina of Athens; a daughter and son-in-law, Kate Messina and Matt Green of Columbus; four grandchildren, Jack, Abby, Ryan, and Leo; a brother and sister-in-law, Diego and Elena Messina; a sister and brother-in-law, Josephine “Dolly” and Tom Comparato; a sister and brother-in-law Sylvia and Jerry Galanti; a sister, Rita Lopreste; a brother and sister-in-law, Angelo Messina and Rose Senatore; a sister, Rita Lopreste; a sister, Eleanor Messina; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Vincent Messina. Stephen served his country during the Vietnam conflict, and was a member of the VFW, and Sons of Italy. Stephen grew up in the North End of Boston, and in 1971 moved to Athens. He was the proud owner of many businesses including both restaurants Sylvia’s and Stephen’s. Throughout his life Stephen was an actor, baker, restauranteur, gardener, musician, and poet. He cherished his family, and loved spending time with his grandchildren. Stephen was able to see and bring out the best in people. His bold, warm presence will be greatly missed by the multitude of lives he touched. Every person who knew him can easily recount a special memory they shared of him. Mass will be Saturday at 11:00 AM at Christ The King Catholic Church with Father Mark Moore officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery where Military Services will be conducted by the Athens American Legion Post 21, Athens VFW Post 3477, and the Albany VFW Post 9893. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements are by Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home where you may sign the online guestbook or leave a private message of sympathy for the family at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.