Peter A. Messina

Peter A. Messina, 80, of Methuen MA, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on April 20, 2024, after a sudden battle with cardiac issues. Peter left this Earth on his own terms surrounded by his family.
 
Born to his parents, Mauro and Carmela, in Viagrande, Sicily, Peter came to America at age 11 and set roots in Lawrence, MA. He quickly picked up the English language and acclimated himself to his new country. He enjoyed his dual citizenship and was extremely proud to become an American citizen, but also relished in his Italian heritage.
 
Peter graduated from Lawrence High School and attended Lowell University, ultimately deciding to join the US National Guard, where he protected his new country for six years. 
 
Peter met his wife Ruth at a local Christian youth play at St. Anne’s in Lawrence. Their courtship lasted three years and they married in 1969 at Sacred Heart in Lawrence. They later welcomed three children, Christine, Andrea, and Peter. Peter and Ruth celebrated 55 years of marriage this year.
 
Peter began his many years of work with his father and brothers in the paving business before moving on to Antons in Lawrence, creating fabulous window treatments throughout the Merrimack Valley. His true calling came when he and his wife Ruth decided to carry on the tradition of bringing the Sicilian favorite crispellis and rice balls (arancini) to the Lawrence area. Peter and Ruth began their culinary journey at the Italian Kitchen, located on Union Street and later relocating to Common Street, where they worked for over 50 years before retiring in the spring of 2017. If you have ever been to the Feast of the Three Saints, then you’ve most likely waited in line for those tasty Sicilian treats. Peter was a proud and active member of the Saint Alfio Society, serving on the board for many years. Peter had undying adoration for the three Saints: Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino. 
 
Peter was predeceased by his parents, Mauro and Carmela (Guglielmino) Messina and his brother-in-law, Joe Caruso. Additionally, he will meet his daughter, Christine (Messina) Bolduc, at the gates of Heaven. 
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ruth (Berthiaume) Messina; his children, Andrea Garabedian and her husband John of Methuen, MA, and Peter Messina, II of Sandown, NH; his son-in-law, Paul Bolduc of Salem, NH, his sister, Josephine Caruso of Methuen, MA; brothers, Raymond Messina and his wife Joanne of Haverhill, MA and Santo Messina and his wife Debra of Laconia, NH; and his grandchildren, Thomas, Samuel, Anna, and Faith Bolduc. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to St. Alfio Society, 20 Common Street, Lawrence, MA 01840. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 2:00-6:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Rte. 113, Methuen, MA. His funeral mass will be Monday, April 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Holy Rosary Shrine, 28 Union Street, Lawrence, MA. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA.