Carmen Messina

Carmen Messina, age 87, former resident and treasured member of the Matawan, NJ community for over 57 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday Nov. 5th in Kingwood Tx., surrounded by his loving family. Carmen was born in Long Branch, NJ in 1935, the son of Italian immigrants. His family moved to Matawan in 1948 when his parents opened Charlies Matawan Inn on Rt. #79 – now the Brass Rail. Carmen attended Matawan HS prior to enlisting in the Navy in 1952. Carmen served, in part, during the Korean War, on the aircraft carrier USS Antietam, and concluded his service in 1956. His Naval service and upbringing would ignite and sustain his love of the water, boating and fishing for the remainder of his life.

He met the love of his life Dottie Hoever through his sister Ann at Matawan HS, and in 1960 they married. Carmen a Police Officer in town, and Dottie a teacher, would together raise their 3 children, Susan, Billy, and Beth, almost entirely while residing in the “Green & White Village” section of town on Lakeside Dr.

In 1958 Carmen became a police officer in Matawan where he served for 41 years, before retiring in 2000. During his tenure, Carmen served as a patrolman, then rising through the ranks to become the Boro’s first Detective, ultimately being named Chief of Police in 1986 – a role he served for 14 years until his retirement from the force. Carmen’s police work extended beyond Matawan and throughout Monmouth County, as he played meaningful roles in both the Monmouth County and Bayshore Area Task Forces, as well as serving as President of the Monmouth County Chiefs Association. The friendships with his work colleagues, and other professionals in the community were extensive - and he and his family valued them all.

Carmen loved Matawan and its people, its police force in particular, and viewed all as extensions of his family. Carmen played a critical role in the growth and development of the police department, and to this day the MPD uniform patch reflects the product of Carmen’s design. Carmen’s care for the town was also demonstrated through his service with both the Boro’s Fire Dept., and EMS services.

Family, the community, carpentry, the water, and of course Italian food were his passions. Carmen was a passionate, and wonderfully loving and caring man, and accordingly would often “live and die” with the trials and tribulations of his family, friends, and the community – in fact – he would at times bring those seeking refuge from threats or danger, including strangers, into his own home to reside until safe refuge was secured. He was the most supportive and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

Following his retirement, Carmen immersed himself in the lives of his 5 grandchildren, carpentry, and painting. Carmen moved to Florida in 2005 and enjoyed a wonderful 15 years in Naples, before – because of his ailing health - moving closer to family in Kingwood Tx., for the remaining 2 years of his life.

Carmen left and indelible mark on all who knew him, and he treasured the friendships and the personal relationships he developed over the years - people too numerous to mention - but nonetheless never forgotten – many still with us, and some no longer here. This list includes many of his fellow law enforcement officers, neighbors, professionals, and fellow townspeople sharing his concern for both the Boro and its people. We, Carmen’s family, acknowledge and thank you all.

Carmen is predeceased by his parents Charles and Rose Messina, his brothers; Nunzie, Michael, and Charlie, his sister Antoinette (Ann), and a baby daughter Kathleen.

Carmen is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Dottie), his daughter Susan (Messina) Behan and her husband Kevin, his son Billy and his wife Lisa, his daughter Beth (Messina) Duncan, and her husband Andy, 5 grandchildren; Michael Behan and his wife Chloe, Nicole Messina, Timmy Behan and his wife Natalie, Danielle Messina, and Madison Messina; his sister Rosemary (Messina) and her husband Dave Ackerman; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close family and friends too numerous to mention – but never forgotten.

Services will be held Thursday November 10th at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North Kingwood, Tx. 77339. Visitation will be 1-3pm ct, with a memorial service held from 3-4pm ct. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carmen’s favorite charity: St. Judes Children’s Fund @ stjude.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kingwoodfuneralhome.com for the Messina family.