Submitted by: Dan Rich

Michael J. Messana

Nov. 10, 1912 - Oct. 16, 1998

South Bend Tribune 10/18/1998

MISHAWAKA - Michael Messana, 85, of West 11th Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away after a brief illness at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, in St. Joseph's Medical Center, South Bend, Ind.

Mr. Messana was born on Nov. 10, 1912, in Chicago, Ill., as the son of the late John and Anna (Desimone) Messana.

On June 6, 1936, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, he married the former Frances J. Catalino, who survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Ann Mary (Dean) Johnson of Mishawaka and Kathy (Tony) Valenti of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Michael (Laurie) Johnson of Granger, Ind., Craig (Jamie) Johnson of Mishawaka, Deana (Mark) Hummel of Osceola, Ind., Michele Valenti of Indianapolis, Ind., Tony, Jr. Valenti, Melanie Valenti and Shelley Valenti, all of South Bend; 10 great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Megan, Trevor, Rachel, Maura Johnson, Alyssa, Matthew, McKenna Hummel, Christina Valenti and Alexandra Manderfield; and by two brothers, Ross (Kathryn) Messana and Victor (Winnifred) Messana, both of Mishawaka.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Angelo; and by a sister, Nina Molnar.

Mr. Messana was a lifetime Michiana area resident.

Mr. Messana worked for the former Studebaker Corp. and Dodge Mfg. in Mishawaka before retiring in 1977. Mr. Messana was a member of St. Bavo's Catholic Church, DeAmicis Club, Mishawaka, B-K Club and Eagles Arie 2083, Mishawaka.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka, where a wake prayer service will be at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Bavo's Catholic Church with Rev. James Shafer officiating.

Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bavo's Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th St., Mishawaka, 46544; or to the Diabetes Association of St. Joseph County.