Philip Messina

Philip Messina of Colonia died February 13, 2025 at the age of 99 after a long life filled with accomplishments, adventure, and dad jokes. He was married to Helen Roberta, née Masinka, for 54 wonderful years until her death in 2002. He is survived by his six children: Celeste (Eric Dominioni) of Buc, France; Laura (Phil Coffin) of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ; Christopher (Julie) of Winter Park, FL; Eugene of Chester, NJ; Andrea (John Cahill) of Kerhonkson, NY; and Gerald (Lucy Sanchinelli) of Wyckoff, NJ. He is also survived by an even dozen grandchildren: Stefan (Jessica), Alyssa (James), Claire, Christophe (Victoire), Mara, Elena, Jay, Benjamin, Matthew, Evan, Michaela, and Marissa; great-grandchildren Joseph, Beatrice, Sebastian; and step-great-grandchildren Constanza, Francesca, Pia, and Lukas. They were an utter delight to him and he doted on them all. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister Angela McCarron, nephews Patrick, Thomas, and Robert; niece Joanne; former daughter-in-law Amalia Duarte; his companion Christine Beliveau, and his devoted live-in caregiver Maia Tediashvili. He was predeceased by his wife Helen, sister Mary Maggio, and nephew JosephMcCarron.

Phil was born in the Bronx on May 20, 1925 to Josephine and Vincent Messina, immigrants from Sicily, who insisted that their three children go to college. They all did. Phil skipped a grade in middle school and graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York City. He received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cooper Union, graduating in three years at the age of 19, so he could serve in World War II. First as a private in the infantry and later commissioned 1st

Lieutenant—at just 20 years old—in the 78th (Lightning) Division, he assisted in postwar reconstruction and recovery in Germany. He received the European Theater of Operations Medal, Infantryman Badge, and several other awards.

During the Korean War, he served as an officer in the Chemical Corps and was assigned to work on the production of nerve gases at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, MD. Coincidentally, as a civilian shortly afterward, he designed and built a plant to produce crude botulinum toxin—thus working on two of the most dangerous substances known to humankind.

Phil earned an MS from Polytechnic Institute (Brooklyn, NY), and a certificate in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. For over 60 years, he worked in the chemical field, first as an engineer, later becoming a sales and marketing executive and ultimately a consultant to the industry. He was employed by, among others, U.S. Industrial Chemicals, W.R. Grace, Wilputte, ABB Lummus, and Engelhard (now BASF). A Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChe), Phil also served as Chairperson and Officer for AICHefor local chapters in Maryland and New Jersey. He was an Emeritus Member of the American Chemical Society and the American Oil Chemists Society. Phil was co-inventor on four US patents for inventions involving textile softeners, plastics, porous ceramics, and paint/varnish thickeners; he was awarded many more foreign patents.

For many years, Phil was an active volunteer—often with his wife Helen. He served as Officer and President for his local chapter of the AARP. He and Helen prepared and served meals to men experiencing homelessness at the Salvation Army in Perth Amboy. Well into his late 70s, Phil helped people with multiple sclerosis to swim and enjoy the pool at the Jewish Community Center of Edison. For 17 years, he tutored students in English as a Second Language with Literacy Volunteers of America. In addition, he channeled his career experience into service as a Science Mentor with the Science-by-Mail program of the Museum of Science in Boston, MA. He was a Life Member of the Friends of Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. And for 25 years, he was a member of the Executive Board of the Fathers’ Club of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, which his sons attended; among his many activities was his dynamic and engaging hosting of the annual Craft Fair, a major fundraiser for the school. For his exceptional service and dedication, Phil was among the first recipients of the school’s Cor Gesu award in 2020.

As a parishioner of St. Cecelia Church in Iselin, he served as Secretary of the Holy Name Society for two decades, volunteered with Helen at the church’s food pantry, and created and maintained the church’s Free Library as a memorial to his wife after her passing in 2002. 

With Helen, whom he adored, he enjoyed traveling far and wide—Mongolia, Antarctica, and the Galapagos, to name just a few of the places they visited—including to all seven continents. Back home he shared his travel experiences in talks with various community groups. After Helen’s death, he continued his traveling on his own, with family and/or his companion Christine. His last international trip, at the age of 92, was to Cuba with two of his daughters.

Phil was a warm, funny, and loving dad, husband, grandpa, and great-grandpa, who relished—and told—a good story and a silly joke. He had a strong moral compass and always strove to do the right thing. Throughout his life, he had endless curiosity about the world, delighted in meeting new people, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved wisely and well, and will be forever in our hearts. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Union County Performing Art Center or Covenant House.

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