Leon Joseph Messina, age 79, passed away, Tuesday, January 17, 2023. He was born in Brooklyn, New York to Leo and Mary Messina, and lived in Rosedale, Queens until he moved to North Haledon in 1972.
Leon proudly served, with distinction, in the US Army Corp of Engineers, an honored veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Prior to his retirement, he was the Chief Financial Officer of the Engineering Division of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, surviving both the 1995 and 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Leon was a constant source of kind and generous support to family and friends. A true gentleman, the "Rock " of all who loved him. Leon was deeply respected and admired. He, and his wife Lorraine, of 52 1/2 years enjoyed traveling and making friends along the way.
Most loving husband of Lorraine (Colletti) Messina.
Devoted father of Gina Messina de Lhery and her husband Christopher de Lhery, and Matthew Leon Messina and partner Rebecca Butz.
Proud and adoring grandfather of his beautiful, precious treasure Finlea de Lhery.
Cherished brother of Diane Messina Pontillo. He was predeceased by his older brother Joseph Messina.
Also survived by a large family of nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him so.
Friends may visit the Messina Family on Sunday, January 22, from 1-5 PM at the Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ. Funeral Mass to be held on Monday, January 23 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 25 Purdue Ave, Oakland, NJ. Interment to follow at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Rebuilding Fund of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 787 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, which suffered a devasting fire in 2019.