Dale John Messina, Sr.

Dale John Messina, Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at his home in Mandeville, LA on Tuesday December 5, 2023. Born October 31, 1940 in New Orleans and raised in Lakeview, he was 83 years old. Dale is preceded in death by his parents, John Anthony Messina and Cecile Alma Falco; his sons, Jimmy Root and Mario Messina; and his sister, Carmel Messina Tebbe.

Dale is survived by his wife of 10 years, Chonkonrat Messina; his Pride, his children: daughters, Verlena Root and Gabrielle Messina, and sons, Dale Messina Jr. (Gail), Mark Messina, and Clint Messina (Christina); and his Joys, his grandchildren: Lauren Root Constantin, Anthony Root, Jaqueline Root, Megan Messina, Dlisa Bridges, Jade Messina, Ciara Lytle, Carmela Messina and Celina Messina.

Dale retired as a New Orleans firefighter after being injured in the line of duty in 1973 but went on to study law at Loyola. He would eventually retire again from his own HVAC/Refrigeration business, making time for his favorite job of all: a grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening, and he loved fast cars and football.

Dale had a kind heart that accepted everyone exactly as they came. Brother, father and friend, Dale blurred the lines of every title he ever held. Neighbors considered him a close friend, and there were friends he held so close you couldn’t distinguish them from family. He also leaves behind a niece Arlene Tebbe VonderHarr (Joe), nephew Jim Tebbe (Denise) and a host of honorary grandchildren, and even friends’ children that he spoke of as though they were his own. His own children were blessed to be his absolute best friends and loyal confidants.

Full of love and fascinating stories, Dale shared a meal or passed a good time with everyone from dignitaries to self-proclaimed degenerates. Everyone was welcomed by him and he was welcomed everywhere. Cancer may have taken his physical strength but it never touched his heart or memory. He was a true example of loyalty; if loyalty was a muscle, it would have been his strongest all the way to the end. If you ever took the readily available opportunity during his 83 years to confide in him, rest assured he remembered and proudly took it with him to the grave. Ten years prior to his death, even before this last chapter, Dale once said, “Baby, I have fit a lot of life into these years and if I missed something, someone will have to show me where because I sure can’t find it. It’s been a good time.” Dale leaves a legacy of love, acceptance, and the importance of enjoying your time here with people you love until your last breath.

Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation and service on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. The visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the service at 12:00 p.m. The interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.