Fred Messina

fred messina
Fred Robert Messina, 87, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House. Born in Lawrence on Dec. 26, 1927, he was the son of the late Santo and Angela (Battiato) Messina. He was raised and educated in North Andover and was a graduate of North Andover High School. He then served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Fred was employed by Polaroid for over thirty years, working at both the Cambridge and Waltham offices until his retirement. Fred headed the scientific department at Polaroid and was a senior assist to Dr. Land, founder of Polaroid. He resided in Reading for many years, and in retirement lived in Danvers and Ipswich. A member of Gil’s Athletic Club and a volunteer at the Burbank YMCA in Reading, Fred was an avid skier and runner who also enjoyed boating. He was a world traveler who loved hiking and Scottish dancing, and was an able handyman to many family and friends. He leaves his children, Robert Messina and his wife Milce of Westwood, Karen Messina-Perez of Reading, and Richard Messina of Wakefield, four granddaughters, Gabriella Messina and Victoria, Virginia, and Marissa Perez, two sisters, Ann Silva and Josie Tabacco, as well as his dear companion, Marigold Louis of Ipswich and her children, Claudine, Paul, and Daniel, and many nieces and nephews. His Funeral Service will be Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 at 11AM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Friday from 4-8PM in the funeral home. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923.

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  1. This is a post from Fred to his niece Cheryl on Fred’s Facebook page August 27,2014.

    ” Hi Cheryl
    Nice to hear from you! I am keeping busy — funny when you retire it seems like you always have too much to do! We do quite a bit of traveling — been recently to Costa Rica where we went zip lining, white water rafting and horseback riding. Planning another trip now, but now sure sure where. ”

    I think that post speaks volumes of the life Fred lived.

    Godspeed Fred !

    Rick Matthias


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