John F. Messina, 89 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday February 12, 2014 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on October 2, 1924 in Batavia, to the late James (Sarah Ruffino) Messina. Mr. Messina was a lifelong muck farmer and former owner of the Mark Trail Motel. He was a member of Resurrection Parish, former Democratic Chairperson for Genesee County, member of the former St. Nicholas Social Club and active with the Salvation Army. He was an avid horseman who owned racehorses, he enjoyed farming and raising animals. Uncle John loved having family and friends around him, that’s why he hosted an annual pig roast to bring them closer together. The family would like to thank his caregivers for giving him the quality of life he so richly deserved. He is preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline Clark Messina in 1996, his brothers Harry, Joseph, Paul, Thomas and Charles Messina and his sister Rose Panepento.
He is survived by his sister Laura Baglio of Maryland, along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call on Sunday February 16, 2014 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. Prayers will be recited 9:00 AM on Monday February 17, 2014 at the Funeral Home followed by a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the Salvation Army 529 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
