Anthony (Tony) U. Messa, 74, passed away on July 18, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family in prayer.
He was born in Haverhill, MA, on October 29, 1946, to the late Ugo and Josephine (Carrabs) Messa. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from UMASS Lowell, his Masters degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and his O.D. from New England College of Optometry.
Tony began his career teaching physics at Manchester Memorial High School, where he met Ann Manning, who taught English. They were soon married and spent forty wonderful years together building a family. After a brief teaching career he pursued his doctorate to become an optometrist, a career he thoroughly enjoyed, and one that he continued right up until his passing. Both teaching and optometry were vocations that demonstrated just how much Tony cared about serving others throughout his life.
Tony, a member of the Sisters of the Precious Blood League of One Thousand Men and St. Pius X Church, was a devout Catholic with a particular affinity for St. Jude.
Tony was a dedicated dad to his family and filled with love for his wife and children. He cherished their traditional Italian Sunday dinners together, and his homemade pasta was not to be missed. His hobbies included gardening with his wife, solving crosswords, listening to classical music, and collecting classic car models and Lionel trains.
Family members include his wife, Ann (Manning) Messa of Manchester, his children: Kimberly Messa of Goffstown, Michael Anthony Messa and his wife, Sara, of Manchester, Stephen Manning Messa of Phoenix, AZ, Catherine Saadat and her husband, Cameron of Wilmington, NC, and two grandchildren, Lily and Kian Saadat.
He was predeceased by one sister, Carol Descoteaux.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 5 to 7 pm at J.N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home, 110 Bridge St.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10 am in St. Jude Church, 435 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry.
Committal prayers will follow in St. Augustin Cemetery, South Beech St.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters of the Precious Blood, St. Jude Church, or St. Pius X Church.
For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.