Harness racing participant Vincent Dean Messina, 75, passed away on October 14 at his home in Haines City, Fla., after a brief illness.
Messina was born on Aug. 28, 1939, in Batavia, N.Y., the oldest son of the late Charles and Beatrice (Martino) Messina. He graduated in 1957 from Notre Dame High School and then went on to attend Niagara University and the University of Buffalo.
Vincent worked as a union official at Batavia Downs and also worked on many construction projects throughout the area until retiring to Florida in 1999. He enjoyed the harness racing industry and was a former harness horse owner and member of the United States Trotting Association. He loved all sports, especially football.
Messina is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean (Krakus) Messina; daughters, Denise (Charles) Hull and Theresa (Steve) DiMarco; son, Dean (Patricia Orlando); grandchildren, Anthony, Christopher, Andrew, Lucas Hull, Lauren Hull, Samantha DiMarco and Phillip; aunts and an uncle; cousins; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and brothers, Charles (Patricia Tatarka) and Paul (Sharon Mancuso).
Paul currently owns and trains Standardbreds at Batavia Downs.
A memorial service is being planned for the spring at Resurrection Parish in Batavia where Vincent was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Development Department, Good Shepherd Hospice, 320 W. Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33815.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Vincent Messina.
(USTA)