Pietro Messina, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home on August 23, 2023 after a short illness at the age of 81. He resided in the Bronx with his wife, Olimpia Messina of 57 years.
Pietro was born in Castrofilippo, Sicily in 1941 and came to the United States in search of a better life at the age of 19. He settled in Brooklyn with his older sister Maria (deceased) and her husband Joe, during those early years. He later met his wife, Olimpia (Pia) and they moved to the Bronx where the rest of her family resided and where they inevitably planted their roots. After trying many different career paths, he became a jeweler and was very pleased with his career choice, taking great pride in the work he did. Many members of his family don wedding rings and jewelry that he himself made and he was always pleased to be a part of that process. Pietro and his wife built their lives in the Bronx and raised three children there, Carlo, Tina and Daniela Messina. Pietro was very proud of his Sicilian heritage and it seemed most roads led back to a connection to the town and the people who knew him there. Although quite mischievous in his youth, he was always spoken of fondly and lovingly. He was a long-standing member of the S. Antonio Abate Fraternal Society of Castrofilippo in Astoria, NY. He was a kind, quiet man who was best known for his mastery of Italian cards, his love of espresso and a cigarette, and spending time reminiscing with his friends from Sicily in front of his favorite local cafe. He is survived by his loving wife Pia, his three children Carlo Messina and his wife Lisa Messina, Tina Messina and her husband Matthew Holt and his youngest daughter, Daniela Messina. He is also survived by his four beautiful grandchildren – Adriana and Julia Messina and Justin and Brandon Holt. May his memory live on forever through the legacy he has created and a life well lived.
Visiting will be Sunday, August 27 from 4-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 28 at 10am at St. Clare’s Church, 1027 Rhinelander Avenue, Bronx. Entombment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road, Hartsdale. In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Riposa in pace Pietro, ti ricorderò sempre mentre giocavi a carte con mio padre, un abbraccio forte alla tua bellissima famiglia
Le mostre più sentite Condoglianze vi siamo vicini anche da così lontano
Un abbraccio a tutti voi