Michael Messina
Groton — Michael L. “Monk” Messina, 66, formerly of Groton, passed away in Florida after a brief illness on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, surrounded by family and friends.
Mike was born on Feb. 19, 1952 in Adams, Mass., to Dominic and Agnes (L’Ecuyer) Messina. He lived most of his life in Groton, graduating from Fitch High School in 1970. Mike was employed through the years at Pfizer, then at Foxwoods before retiring.
Mike is survived by the love of his life, Kellie Larochelle, her children, Jessica Curtis (Eric) and Zack Larochelle, and grandchildren, Lilly and Harrison Curtis. He is dearly missed by his two sisters, Marie Curtis (Glenn) and Gwen McTigue; his four nieces Lisa Keaney (Ken), Suzette Roan (Casey), Janeen Beetle (Chad) and Lauren Santiago (Matt); his two nephews Dave Grace and Adam Messina (Tricia); his four grand-nieces Stephanie Keaney, Tara Keaney, Claire Roan and Elise Messina; his three grand-nephews Caleb Beetle, Cortlan Beetle and Maddox Roan; Kellie’s sisters Rita Lorentzen (Scott) and Dawn Flatley; and his godson Dominick Sestito. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Greg Messina.
Mike’s passions throughout his life were music, his family and friends. He loved to listen to music, sing and play the drums, always tapping his hands to the beat. He laughed hard, loved harder, and lived his life to the fullest. Mike was fun-loving, good-hearted and shared his infectious laugh with everyone he met. Mike loved to play and watch sports and was an avid UConn, Yankees and Packers fan. Mike cherished his friendships, especially his lifelong friends Ray Ryan, Ronnie Adams, Pat Perry and Pam and Joe Smith.
Mike and Kellie escaped our cold winters last year with their cat, Jack, retiring to a beach cottage in Madeira Beach, Fla. Mike enjoyed walking to the beach where he would read and work on puzzles in his newspaper. Mike truly loved every day that he lived in “paradise” and was so thankful to be able to fulfill his dream of moving to Florida, even though he missed his loved ones in Connecticut, and never did find a decent grinder.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on January 6, 2019 at the Groton Elks Lodge, 700 Shennecossett Rd., Groton, CT 06340.