Obituary of Harry Charles Messina

Messina, Harry Charles, 79 Harry C. Messina, Ocala, 79 passed on Sunday, October 23, 2011. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 22, 1932 and graduated from Amityville High School in 1950. After high school, he worked for Pfizer Pharmaceutical Co. until he joined the Army in 1952. After basic training, he trained for his certification to work on light wing aircrafts and helicopters. In 1953 Harry was assigned to the 7th Division Aviation Co mpany as Crew Chief for L-19 Spotter Air Crafts and H-13 Helicopters in Korea. Harry attended CW Post College on Long Island, NY from 1955 to 1959 and then began teaching for the Baldwin School District, where he was District Coordinator of Library Services for 28 years. Harry also coached football and wrestling until he retired in 1987. Harry and his wife Theresa remained on Long Island until 1996 when they moved to Oak Run in Ocala, FL While living at Oak Run, Harry was a member of the Veterans Club and its Honor Guard, Vice President of the Anglers Club; member of the Italian American Club, The New York Club and Captain of the Bocce Club. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 33 years, Theresa Messina; loving daughters, Laura Asaro, Lisa Cramer and Debra Saloman and grandchildren; Gregory, Paul, Jenny Rose and Justin. "A truly loving and extraordinary man, Harry leaves behind not only his beloved family, but many cherished friends who will forever mourn his absence." A funeral mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Community, 443 Marion Oaks Dr., Ocala with Rev. Bart Garcon officiating on Friday, October 28, 2011 at 9:30AM. Services with full military honors will follow at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Ocala. Condolences may be expressed at www.hiers-baxley.com.