Michael Charles Messina

Michael Charles Messina, age 69, of Alpharetta GA, peacefully passed away after a courageous 6 year battle with cancer on December 31, 2022. Michael was the child of Charles and Theresa (Walsh) Messina. He was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He graduated from Lehman College with a degree in Communications and Theatre. He started his working career in the criminal and supreme courts of New York City. After meeting a beautiful Georgia girl, Cathleen (Coen) in Houston Texas he landed in Georgia. Michael and Cathleen were married for 38 years, raised two wonderful children and built their life and family in Alpharetta. He was the proud Father of his son Brendan and daughter Maeghan and was blessed with a daughter and son in law – Max and Lindsey – who he loved as his own.

Michael spent over 30 years in the security industry building a career and reputation centered around relationships and service. His sense of humor, industry knowledge and kindness extended to everyone he met from the security officers he most respected, to management, clients and the C Suite. He was a caring leader who always tried to lead with empathy and respect for all. He completed his career with Marksman Security as VP of Client Services and often said his only regret was that he didn’t work for them for 30 years. Michael and his family are eternally grateful for the care and compassion they extended to him.

Michael loved old movies, old friends, music and good food. His greatest joy and source of strength came from his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Charles Anthony Messina of Yonkers, NY.

He is survived by his mother Theresa (Walsh) Messina of Yonkers, NY; his wife Cathleen Messina of Alpharetta GA; his sister Linda (John) McGarvey; and brothers Jim (Maureen) Messina and Bill (David) Messina all of New York. As well as many nieces and nephews. Michael is also survived by his two children, their spouses and his grandchildren: Brendan and Lindsey (Donahoo), and their children James, Mary and Patrick Messina; Maeghan (Messina) and Max Gann and their children John Michael, Davis and another angel on the way.

Michael and his family owe endless gratitude to all the doctors and medical staff who took care of him over the years and gave us the precious gift of time we never expected to have. Particular gratitude to Dr. Stephen Szabo and his incredible staff at Emory Johns Creek and Dr. Manuel Castro of Roswell, Ga. For those who wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers in Michael’s memory please consider the Winship Cancer Center at together.emory.edu.

Grieve not…..or speak of me with tears….but laugh and talk of me….as though I were beside you. I loved you so….”twas Heaven here with you.

Please share your memories or condolences with the family at www.roswellfuneralhome.com