Mr. Paul A. Messina's Obituary
Messina, Paul A., age 82, lifelong resident of Tampa, Florida, passed away on January 31, 2009. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Andrea F. and Benedetta Messina and a loving, beautiful daughter, Nanette Messina Griffin. Paul is survived by his devoted and loyal wife of 54 years, Nancy, three sons, Paul Jr. and wife Cathy, Dr. Andrew and wife Dr. Jane, Frank and wife Christina, daughter Lisa, brother Frank & sister-in-law Adelfa, and sister Annie & brother-in-law Nelson Maida, as well as 12 grandchildren he loved and adored dearly--Paul, Anthony, Catriana, and Gianna Messina, Robert and Jake Griffin, Andrew, Victoria and Nicholas Messina, and Ashlie, Corinne and Frank Messina. They will remember and treasure him as the greatest grandfather ever. His love of family was shown through his care and concern for his five children and twelve grandchildren. Paul's great desire was always to be a model of a hard worker. He always worked diligently to provide for his family. Immediately out of school, he was employed by Bay Oil Company for 3 years, and thereafter by Lee and Pomeroy Oil Company for 33 years. Following this, with a very young family of five, he ventured to begin his own company with his life savings. With the help of his wife and oldest son, Paul, Jr. they began a beer distributorship in Lakeland, Florida, called Central Wholesale Distributors. The Lakeland Distributorship was successfully operated for approximately 3 years. Subsequently, it was sold and he purchased the beer division of Tampa Wholesale Distributors. The family ran the business for approximately 14 years, serving Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. After retiring he spent his time enjoying his family and grandchildren. He was a regular daily at the West Tampa Sandwich Shop and member of the local West Tampa Men's club. He enjoyed the companionship and fellowship of all the local members. Paul will always be admired for his work ethic and his desire to provide a better life for all his children. His strength and endurance assisted his family in good and bad times. We all know that he will be missed by all of those who loved and respected him and for the many friends he was able to help. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1711 E. 11th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 in the name of Paul Messina's family. Active pallbearers include: Paul Michael Messina, Anthony Joseph Messina, Andrew Michael Messina, Nicholas Paul Messina, Robert Kenneth Griffin and Jacob Paul Griffin. Honorary pallbearers include: Andrew Maida, Michael Maida, Tommy Maida and Basil Scaglione. A Funeral Mass for the repose of his Soul will be celebrated Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Thomas Stokes, Celebrant. Entombment will follow in the Messina family mausoleum at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 PM with recitation of the Catholic Wake rite at 8 PM at Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL. Boza & Roel Funeral Home
4730 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33603
(813) 877-7676
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