Sam C. Messina
- Peter J. Adonizio
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
Sam C. Messina, 93 of West Pittston, passed away Saturday October 4, 2025 at Highland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Exeter.
Born in Pittston, on February 2, 1932, he was the son of the late Joseph and Fanny Ferrara Messina.
He was a graduate of Pittston High School, Class of 1950. Sam started his military service in the US Navy, then in the US Army, and continued his service for over 35 years in the Army Reserves.
Sam truly embodied the characteristics of the greatest generation. He was a natural born worker. He worked for many years as the custodian at St. Rocco’s Church and School, then Louden Hill. For 26 years, he worked for Keystone Automotive. After retiring from Keystone Automotive, he continued to work into his 80’s for the Wyoming Area School District as a member of the custodial staff.
Sam loved sports. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State Football. He followed college basketball and was a Duke fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Lavin Messina in 1998, and his siblings, brothers; Carl, Patrick, and Rev. Angelo Messina, and sister Mary Mantione.
Sam is survived by his daughter, Phyllis Forlenza and her husband, Rudy, of Exeter, and granddaughters; Angela Forlenza Stevens (Chris), Dallas, Jill Forlenza (Joey Topa), Jessup, and sister; Lillian Orr, numerous nieces and nephews.
The family extends their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Highland Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Exeter, for the care they provided to Sam.
The family will receive friends and relatives Friday October 10, 2025 from 9-10AM in Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston, a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10AM. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC- Pittston.
SAM WAS ALWAYS POLITE.IREMEMBER HIM WHEN HE USED TO TAKE CARE OF St ROCCO'S CHURCH. IWAS A MEMBER UNTIL I GOT MARRIED. hE WOULD HELP ANYWONE, GOD BLESS!
Sam was a dear friend. He visited Fr. Angelo often and all of us at Resurrection Church enjoyed him. He joined us on several trips to Rome and was always a delight. I was delighted to talk with him often over the years after Fr.'s passing. He did love his sports. I will miss him and our calls.
Jean Eisel😍
We knew Sam from Immaculate Conception Parish which is now Corpus Christi. We also knew his brother Father Messina and Lily plus his nephew Patrick Messina the 11. Sam was a great man with a heart of Gold. He was so kind, and we loved him and will miss him very much. It is hard to put in words how wonderful Sam was. RIP Sam you will always be in our prayers. The Messina family are in our prayers you lost a good man.
I was a 10 year old st. Rocco's elementary school student....after school, i used to help sam push his cleaning machine up and down the aisles in the classrooms......such a beautiful man...always made me feel important.....GOD grant him the eternal joy in HIS presence