Vito "Bill" Messina

Vito (Bill) Messina, age 82 of Sterling Heights, passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 17, 2021. He was born January 16, 1939 in Detroit, son of the late Andrea and Maria Messina. Beloved husband of Josie (nee Gerardi) and the late Josephine (nee Maiorana). Loving father of Andrew Messina and Marisa (John) Baginski. Dearest grandfather of Debbie (David) DeCoster and Alyssa Baginski, and great grandfather of Benjamin and Reagan. Brother of Tony (Joyce) Messina; preceded in death by his siblings, Jack (Lori) Messina. Brother-in-law of Marian Taylor and Daniela (Joe) Luna. Son-in-law of Pina (late Nino) Gerardi. Beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Vito graduated from Denby High School and in 1962, married the late Josephine Maiorana, and moved to Ft. Benning, Georgia to serve in the United States Army. After serving in the Army, Vito returned to Michigan and started working for General Motors (GM) in 1965, where he worked as an engineer and enjoyed solving problems. He spent much of his free time working at home in his garage as a mechanic, fixing cars for many family members and friends. In 1997, Josephine passed away from her battle with cancer. He found love again and married Josie Gerardi in 2000. In 2002, he retired from GM after 37 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed cars, photography, ice cream, the Detroit Tigers, bowling, golfing, doing word searches, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and being outdoors. His eyes lit up at the sight of his great-grandchildren, and he adored their interest in the stories of his life. He also loved spending time at the cottage he built in Lake George, where he could be found grooming his property on his John Deere tractor or tinkering with his precious 1986 Monte Carlo SS. The longevity of Vito’s life is credited to his loving wife, Josie, who tirelessly cared for him throughout their marriage and especially throughout his battle with kidney disease. Josie was his cheerleader and his constant caregiver, many times at the expense of her own health. Private family visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral mass on Friday, January 22 at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church, 4571 John R., Troy, Michigan. He will lie in state at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. Donations are preferred in lieu of flowers, and can be made to the American Diabetes Association, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan or the Old Newsboy Goodfellows Fund (Detroit). Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Vito "Bill" Messina

January 16, 1939 - January 17, 2021