Shrewsbury – Charles “Charlie” Messier, 80, of Shrewsbury, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2014 after a short illness, with family by his side. Charlie was a deeply devoted husband, amazing, inspirational and compassionate father, and a loving, funny and caring grandfather and friend. There are too many “Charlie-ism's” to list but he has left behind a great legacy.
He was born to Charles H. Messier Senior and Helen (DeYoung) Messier of Marlborough on Nov. 29, 1933, and he graduated high school at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury in 1951.
Charlie spent the majority of his career as a photoengraver with the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, until his retirement in 1995. He also attended St. Anne's Parish in Shrewsbury.
Outside of his family, his greatest passions were music where he was a local jazz promoter in Worcester County. He helped many artists’ careers and was an avid promoter and fan of the Four Freshmen, whom he had recently booked for a “Jazz at Sunset” program Friday, June 27 at SAC Park in Shrewsbury.
He also was an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoyed running and biking. His passion for running included completing 11 Boston Marathons, including the 100th running of the marathon. He was truly Boston Strong!
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Donna Messier of Shrewsbury; his two daughters, Jeanne Demalia and Susan Stitham, and his two sons-in-laws, Michael Demalia and Zachary Stitham; his brother, John Messier and wife Pat of Aurora, Co., and his sister Marie Hill and husband Roger of Manchester, N.H., and was pre-deceased by his brother, Paul Messier from Cape Cod; his 14 grandchildren, Nicole Demalia, Michael Demalia, Rocco Demalia, Dominic Demalia, Danielle Demalia, Brittany Demalia, Salvatore Demalia, Angelo Demalia, Lorenzo Demalia, Cassidy Demalia, Antonio Demalia, Jesse Demalia and Helena and Lillia Stitham; and two great-grandchildren, Kassandra Parent and Jackson Charles Parent. He also leaves behind many extended family members and a host of friends, colleagues, musicians, and runners who played very important roles in his life.
The family asks that you keep his memory in your prayers and will miss the impact he had on theirs and so many lives.
Family and friends will honor and remember Charlie's life by gathering Friday, June 27, in Saint Anne's Church, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Private burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, Charlie had asked that you consider donations to St. Anne's Human Services, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. (http://stannesparish.org/humanServ.html).
