NEW HARTFORD – George Messina passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 at the Presbyterian Nursing Home in New Hartford. He was 90 years old.
 Born on Jan. 27, 1921, in Bouckville, George was the son of the late Joseph and Maria (Petri) Messina. Along with his family, he moved to Utica at an early age. He was educated in the local schools there and graduated from Utica Free Academy.
 George was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Minneapolis in the South Pacific. Most of his working years were spent as a salesman for Interstate Wholesale in Syracuse, New York. He was a long time member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of New Hartford, and the Disabled American Veterans Charter 82 of Utica. George was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years with his friends at the Valley View Golf Club.
 George is survived by his sister-in-law Dawn Messina, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins of whom he was very fond. He was predeceased by his brother John and sisters Mary Messina, Theresa Elia, Josephine Brennan, Roslyn Messina, and Jane Mirabito. He was also predeceased by brother Joseph, who died in infancy.
 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. on Friday prior to the service. 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George’s memory to Roots & Wings Food Pantry of Catholic Charities, 34-36 Berry Street, Norwich, NY13815.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. To send a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at:  www.wilsonfh.com.