Obituary of Jack F. Messina, Sr.

Jack F. Messina Sr., age 54, of Trumbull, a retired police officer for the City of Bridgeport, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Yale New Haven Medical Center. Born on August 3, 1960 in Bridgeport, he was the son of Clara Smerglinolo Messina of Bridgeport and the late Jack Messina. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 32 years and best friend, Cheryl Piazza Messina, who has taken the greatest care of him throughout his illness, his son Jack F. Messina Jr., his daughter Lindsay Pereguda and her husband Tomasz, three sisters, Susan Koval and her husband Peter of Bridgeport, Lori DeFrancesco and her husband Vincent of Stratford, and Gail Rodriguez and her husband Wayne of Bridgeport, his mother-in-law Carolyn Piazza of Trumbull, as well his brother-in-laws, Craig Piazza and his wife Fredi of Ft. Lauderdale, Robert Piazza and his wife Stephanie of Trumbull and Randy Piazza of Trumbull. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nephews and nieces, godchildren, cousins, aunts and an uncle. In addition to his father, Jack was predeceased by his father-in-law Robert S. Piazza, uncles Ralph DeNitto, Joseph Gallant, Frederick Smerglinolo and Nicholas Messina his aunt, Maryanne Piazza as well as his best friends Charles Mauro and Ricky Piccirillo. Jack was a member of the Central High School Class of 1978, where he played both baseball and football. He was a member of the '78 state championship baseball team and lettered in both sports. One of his biggest passions was coaching. Over the years, Jack coached football, baseball and basketball, coaching and mentoring hundreds of kids. His favorite coaching years and memories are when he coached his son for 7 years for Trumbull Pop Warner Football. Jack's greatest joy in life was his family, especially his children. He was an amazing father, coach, mentor, friend, confidant and their number one supporter always. A Memorial Mass celebrating his life will take place on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 meeting directly at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 4700 Madison Ave., Trumbull. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd. Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, those desiring can make memorial contributions to the family through the funeral home.