Louis Messina

Longtime Staten Islander Louis (John) Messina, 69, of Pleasant Plains, a retired finish carpenter who loved animals, died Thursday in the Addeo Hospice, in
Egbertville, after a week's stay.

Born in Barberton, Ohio, he was brought to Rosebank as a child and grew up there. He settled in Pleasant Plains in 1989.

After graduating from New Dorp High School, Mr. Messina joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War, as well as stateside in Florida and North Carolina.

A self-employed finish carpenter, he worked in North Carolina for a time, specializing in the restoration of older and historic homes, then worked on the Island until retiring about five years ago.

Mr. Messina enjoyed playing softball with the Acme Athletic Club and bowling in leagues at Rab's Country Lanes. He also was fond of playing darts.

He loved animals and had rescued and fostered many cats, including his current five.

He was a great kidder, and liked playing tricks and practical jokes, said his companion of 24 years, Betty Schaffner.

Also surviving Mr. Messina are his son, John (Kevin); his daughter, Kimberly Wilkie; a brother, Dennis Jensen; two sisters, Faith Cocozza and Kathy Grym; five grandchildren, and five stepgrandchildren.

The funeral service will be Sunday at 8 p.m. in the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Burial arrangements are pending.

Services: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home on Sunday January 5,2014 at 8:00PM

Visitation: Friends will be received on Sunday January 5, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home