Joseph Philip Messina

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Joseph P. Messina who died in the arms of his beloved wife and devoted sons at his home in Newburyport on March 13, 2022. Joe was married to his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Ann Pappalardo, and was a dedicated husband and proud father of his sons, Philip and Joseph.

Joe loved coaching his sons’ Little League and youth hockey teams. He was a graduate of Merrimack College. He was a seasoned photographer and traveler, a perpetual student of history and science and loved the opera. He was an honored member of the Jaycees, an organization who  provided development opportunities that empowered young people to create positive sustainable change.  Joe was also one of a close family of volunteers who raised funds to build the Cor Unum Meal Center at St. Patrick’s Parish in Lawrence, and more recently was a volunteer at Immaculate Conception Church in Newburyport.  

Joe’s many battles with cancer began in 1980, but a force courageous and stubborn,  he refused to concede in the 42 years that followed, mentoring many cancer patients with his positive attitude and hope. 

Joe was employed by Itek Optical Systems Division in Burlington where he was a member of The First Mars Landing Society and the Viking Project Team whose mission was responsible for the 1st. Successful landing on Mars of a terrestrial spacecraft. 

When employed by Raytheon in Andover, Joe was a Senior Master Planner in charge of the Patriot Missile Program. He also participated in their volunteer science program which mentored underserved students. 

Joe is survived by his wife Ann of Newburyport; his son Philip, daughter-in-law Kristen and grandson Luca of California; son Joseph and Meaghan Stedge-Stroud,  sister Esther Messina Sayer, sister-in-law Sarah Talford all of Newburyport and many nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren. 

Joe was a giant man with an even bigger  heart who  had a great influence on many. He will be sorely missed. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Tuesday, May 10th, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Church 42 Green Street Newburyport, MA 01950. Burial will be private. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Messina’s family with his funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Messina’s name to Cor Unum Meal Center 118 South Broadway Lawrence, MA 01843 or Lazarus House online at www.lazarushouse.org 

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