Anthony Ronald Messina's Obituary
On December 3, 1973 the world was blessed by the birth of Anthony Ronald Messina. On July 14, 2016, Tony decided to end his journey by taking his own life. Tony was more loved, admired and respected than he ever could possibly fathom. We will never understand why he made the decision he did and we will always wish we could turn back the clock and save him or change his mind. He was a beloved Son, Brother, Uncle, Fiance, Father, Nephew, Cousin and Friend. He left behind a wide trail of love and kindness and the shock and devastation of his sudden departure is widespread. Tony was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Paul Buttrey and his paternal grandparents, Victor L Messina and Louise Heigel Messina. Tony is survived by a large and loving family: His parents Ronnie Messina and Kathryn Brittain, his Sister Marlo Messina Rees and his adoring nephews Strider Anthony and Brittain Graham Rees, His son Nathaniel Messina, his fiancee Kaitlin East and his furr-baby Ruby. His maternal grandparents Harvey & Merle Steely and Shirley & Bill Hunter, his Aunt and Uncles: Larry & Cathy Messina, Leah Messina, Donnie & Theresa Ellison, Rick & Roxanne Steely, David & Jodi Steely, Graham & Shannon Buttrey and many cousins: Mike & Sissy Wilkinson (and their children John-Michael, Leah & Anna), Christina Messina (and her children Lauren, Jackson & Sarah), Greg & Melanie Jenkins (and their children Brittany & Joshua) Joshua & Bethany Steely (and their children Ellie & Mason), Chelsea & Mike Mays (and their son Wyatt), Elizabeth & Ben Reilly, Luke Steely, Joseph & Amanda Ellison, Nancy Ellison, Tyler Steely & Madison Steely, Paul Buttrey and Jack Buttrey. Tony’s funeral will be on Thursday, July 21 @ 11am at St. Rita Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75244. He will be buried next to our grandparents, Victor and Louise Messina at Restland Cemetery. There will be a visitation on Wednesday night, July 20, 2016 at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. The visitation will start at 6pm with the Rosary being prayed at 7pm and after the Rosary we will Eulogize Tony and invite anyone who wants to share memories of him to do so. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to The SPCA of Texas in Tony’s name. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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