Obituary of Salvatore Messina

Salvatore Messina, age 88 years of Cherry Hill, passed away on August 11, 2019.

Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (nee Casey). Devoted father of Betty Anne Martino (John), Rose Krawiecki, Salvatore Messina (Sandi), Susan Pica (Gary), John Messina (Colleen), and Anna Messina. Loving grandfather of Melissa, Michelle, Robert (Keeley), Christina, Julianna, Stacie, Gary, Libby, Suzy, Matthew, Lexi, Nicole, Mia (Stephen), Michael, Jamie, and Kacie. Cherished great grandfather of Bo, Luca, and Riley. Dear brother of Pat Rodio and the late Adolph, Joe and Vito Messina.

Sal was born and raised in South Philadelphia by his parents, Santa and Paul Messina. At a young age his desire to work hard and provide for his family led to him to selling shopping bags and newspapers, starting at age 8. He worked alongside his father as a teenager developing his skills as a stone mason and a businessman, which led to his successful career as a home builder in South Jersey.  The Messina family moved to the country in “Delaware Township” later renamed Cherry Hill and Sal spent most of his life as a Cherry Hill resident. He made his home with his wife Betty Casey and raised his six children there.

Sal was very proud of his Italian heritage. He shared his family history and told stories of Sicily, and shared Italian culture, love of Italian food, and Italian music with his loved ones. Like many children of Italian immigrants, he grew tomatoes in the backyard and cooked Italian specialties, mastering veal scallopini.  Sal traveled to Sicily and Argentina to meet his extended Murabito and Messina family. 

Sal was a spirited storyteller and jokester and brought a smile and laugh to most people he met. He loved to sing, always adding his special bravado. He sang with his granddaughters and brought a special joy to all family gatherings.

Sal valued family above everything. His grandchildren brought him exceptional joy.  He loved summers in his backyard grilling and cleaning the pool for the grandkids, Super Bowl parties, and family dinners. His generosity was expansive, from buying groceries for struggling families, to helping family members in need. On his own birthday, he insisted on always giving his grand kids gifts and insisted on not receiving gifts.  Sal also loved being Uncle Sal to the Messina and Casey family. He loved his dogs, especially Jack.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation & Funeral on Friday, August 16, 2019, from 8 – 10 AM at the Falco/Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road in Pennsauken. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at the Church of St. Stephen, 6300 Browning Road. Entombment will follow at Calvary Mausoleum in Cherry Hill.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Cathedral Kitchen, 1514 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08105.