Samuel ‘Sal’ Messina, 85, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully surround by his family and in the loving arms of his wife on Monday, April 3, 2023 at his residence. Born in Dunkirk, NY, he was the son of the late Anthony and Arcangel (Capitano) Messina.
Sal was raised in Dunkirk and attended local schools. He enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1955 and was stationed at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base, where he met the love his life, Carolee (Clark). They were married at the Air Base Chapel on November 16, 1957. Sal was later honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1959. He continued to proudly serve in the United States Air National Guard prior to retiring as Chief Master Sergeant in 1997.
Sal earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Buffalo State College and obtained his Master’s degree in Economics from the University at Buffalo. He was employed as a revenue officer with the IRS at locations in Niagara and Erie County. He was extremely proud of his Italian heritage and served as a delegate for the Italian Federation. As a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of Prince of Peace Church, Sal served as a Eucharist minister, Altar server and was a staple on the bereavement committee.
Sal was an active member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society and formerly served as assistant treasurer and chairman of the scholarship committee. He was also instrumental with the NCCC College Foundation Alumni Committee, volunteered for SABAH and donated over 27 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.
Sal was an avid tennis player and enjoyed exercising at the Niagara Falls Air Base daily. He also enjoyed playing softball in his younger years and loved to watch sports. Sal enjoyed traveling, but above all centered his life around his family who will miss him dearly.
In addition to his wife of 66 years, Mr. Messina is survived by two children, Michael (Michele) Messina and Angela (Marcello) Quaranta, and was sadly predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Angela Messina. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Michael Christopher Messina, Andrea (Adam) Kinne, Philip Messina, Vincent (Alessandra) Quaranta, Anthony Messina, Sam (Brittany Evans) Quaranta and Sarah (Mitchell Webb) Quaranta; his great-grandchildren, Nicholas Kinne, Nina Kinne, Philip Otto Messina and Santino Quaranta; his sister, Frances (Michael) Raynor, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and daughter, he was predeceased by his grandson, Nicholas and sister, MaryAnn Hagaman.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Niagara Hospice, especially Bailey, for the love and care she provided to Sal.
Visitation will be Monday, April 10 from 4 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin Tuesday at 10:15 AM, followed by Sal’s Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Military honors and entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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