John A. Messina, loving father and grandfather, passed away on December 6, 2009 at the age of 69 at Danbury Hospital. A long time resident of Danbury, Redding and Bethel, John was an ardent sports fan and, in his later years, an avid horseback rider.
Born on October 20, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to Natale and Mary Messina, John graduated from Stamford High School and the University of Connecticut with a degree in accounting. For over 40 years, John was a CPA in Stamford and Wilton, first as a partner in Haims & Company, then with Messina, Ceci & Archer, and finally with RSM McGladrey.
When not out riding, John could be found watching the Dodgers, the UCONN Huskies or Notre Dame football. A lover of travel, John would make a yearly visit to Eaton Ranch in Wyoming to explore the scenery and visit the local rodeo. Known for his signature hats and his winning smile, friends and family will remember his warm heart, generosity and devotion to his family. He will be missed.
Survivors include his brother Peter Messina and his wife Cathy; his brother Natale Messina Jr. and his wife Elizabeth; his brother Richard Messina, his wife Laura and their three children Michael, Joseph and Kristin; his son Christopher Messina, his wife Salve and their two sons Nicholas and Peter; his daughter Kathryn Messina and her daughter Elizabeth; his daughter Michele Ludwig, her husband Edward and their daughter Mia; and his longtime companion Elaine DeFrancesco.
Services will be held on Monday December 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470 (www.strosechurch.com). Funeral services to be directed by Honan Funeral Home (For info: (203) 426-2751 or www.honanfuneralhome.com). In lieu of flowers gifts in memory of John Messina may be directed to support the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center in Brewster, NY (For info: (845) 669-8235 or www.pegasustr.org).

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