Robert A. Messina

Robert A. Messina, a lifelong resident of Stoneham, passed away peacefully with his devoted family by his side on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on Monday, May 26, 1941, in Stoneham, Bob was the loving son of the late Nicholas J. and Evelyn F. (Joyce) Messina. He was a selfless and loyal man who deeply loved his family and community.

Bob was raised in Stoneham, where he attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and graduated from Stoneham High School. In his youth, he loved playing hockey and football, and he could often be found driving around town in his cherished 1958 98 Oldsmobile white convertible. Bob went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the Army National Reserve for eight years. He was also a charter member of the Marconi Club, where he formed many wonderful, lifelong friendships.

A dedicated public servant, Bob worked for the Stoneham Department of Public Works for thirty-nine years, serving as the Highway Foreman. Following his retirement, he spent seventeen years working his ideal retirement job as a grounds keeper at the Unicorn Golf Course.

Bob was blessed when when he met Susan, who would become his devoted wife and lifelong partner. They married just over a year later and built a beautiful life together in Stoneham, raising three children of whom he was immensely proud, all within a warm and loving household. In their later years, Bob and Susan loved traveling together, exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories side-by-side. Above all else, Bob was a devoted family man. His family always came first, and he was incredibly proud of the legacy he and Susan created. As a loving "Grampie" he absolutely adored his grandchildren and treasured every moment he spent with them.

He was the beloved husband of Susan S. (Magliozzi) Messina; the devoted father of Robert A. Messina, Jr. and his wife Iris, Christopher M. Messina and his wife Joanne, and Kerri L. DeProfio and her husband William; and the cherished grandfather of Maxwell Messina and his fiancée Maura Intonti, Dante Messina, Ava DeProfio, and Luke DeProfio. He was the dear brother of John Messina and the late Rosemary Blier, and is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who will miss him dearly.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Bob’s family on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (RT 28), Stoneham. A Funeral Mass celebrating Robert’s eternal life will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Patrick Church, 71 Central Street, Stoneham. Parking attendants and an elevator are available at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Robert’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or online at www.alz.org

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome