Peter D. Messina

Peter D. Messina, of Edgewood, died peacefully at 90 years of age on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Pete was the beloved husband of Marilyn (Winslow) Messina for 50 years. He was the loving father of Patricia (Phill) Singer, Jeanmarie (Norman) Freytag, Sharon Messina and Kat Messina.

He was the cherished grandfather of David (Aryanna) Freytag, Julianne Freytag, Benny Freytag, twins Pearl and Alex Singer and Callum Gaitens.

Pete was the brother of Russ (Dot) Messina, Theresa (late Bill) Germont, Bobby (Patty) Messina and the late Leonard (surviving spouse, Maryrose) Messina.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Pete was born and raised in Ambler, Montogomery County, PA and graduated from Ambler High School in 1953. Shortly after graduation, during the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where educational opportunities existed. He enjoyed studying Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and some Calculus and History. After basic training at Sampson Air Force Base and successfully completing six months of Air Base Defense training at Parks AFB in California, Pete was assigned to Ashiya AFB in Southern Japan for the next 3 1/2 years.

He advanced to the rank of Airman First Class and passed all leadership exams, qualifying him to train and supervise Air Policemen, and over 400 Japanese Security Forces, to patrol and investigate crimes in the city and on base.

Pete qualified for the base golf team where he competed throughout Japan, including Okinawa. He was awarded a cash prize for his lucky hole-in-one at a course in Fukuoka. After his years in Japan, Pete was assigned to do his final 9 months of service at KI Sawyer in Marquette, MI, where he spent most of the time on the golf team and teaching.

In 1959, Pete joined the Upper Dublin Police Department in Montgomery County and continued his service in the USAF Reserves at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station. While at Willow Grove, he taught the Uniform Code of Military Justice to other reservists until 1966.

Pete served over 25 years with the Upper Dublin Police Department and retired with the rank of Lieutenant of Police. While on the police force, Pete spent most of his off-time attending and graduating from Lansdale Business School, Montgomery County Community College and West Chester University. Pete also attended Temple University’s Beasley School of Law but realized after 2 years that he did not want to be a lawyer.

In 2005, Pete’s lifetime love of golf and his desire to own his own golf course became a reality when he took ownership of the Executive 18-hole Sigel Golf Course in Jefferson County.

Pete continued his membership with the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Police and St. Mary Magdalene Parish. He frequently attended The Pittsburgh Oratory in Oakland and the Brown Bag meetings at St. James Church in Wilkinsburg. Pete, also, participated in the Bridges Program, an 8-month prayer retreat based on St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises.

Friends are welcome for private prayer on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 10 a.m., followed by Vigil Prayers at 10:30 which will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in St. James Church, 718 Franklin Ave., Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.

A Reception will follow Mass in the Chapel at the lower level of the Church.

Pete will be laid to rest with Military Honors on Saturday, June 28, in St. John Neumann Cemetery in Bucks County.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Bridges Retreat program. Checks should be made payable to MAR CLC and mailed to Al and Kathy Yarzebinski, 211 Indiana Dr., Pgh., PA 15116.

Arrangements with Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable Ave., East Pittsburgh, 412-824-8800.