Grafton – Gary Anthony Messenger, 56, of Grafton, passed away July 17, 2018 at UMass Hospital in Worcester. Gary joins his beloved parents, Gary A. and Carmella (Pellegrino) Messenger, in Heaven.
Gary is survived by his brother, Daniel J. Messenger; a sister, Gina Manning and her husband Billy, all of Westerly, R.I.; his goddaughter, Rebecca Manning of Central Falls, R.I.; a niece, Alexandrea Manning of Westerly; an aunt, Charlotte Pellegrino of Grafton; cousins, David and Cynthia Lebel of Shrewsbury, Deb Pellegrino of Grafton, Frances Verdolino of Worcester, Santino Pellegrino of Worcester, Joseph Gentile of Worcester, and Sandra LaChance of Grafton; aunts, uncles, and cousins in Ohio and Vermont; and the Madonna and Pelrah families, who were very close to Gary.
Gary was born in Worcester and lived his entire life in Grafton. He graduated from Grafton High School and attended Quinsigamond Community College.
Gary served as on-call fire fighter for the Town of Grafton, working out of South Grafton Fire Station. He went on to become a 911 dispatcher for the town, before retiring.
Gary loved muscle cars, hot rods, attending car shows, playing Texas hold’em poker, and watching the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. His greatest joy was when his surrounded by his large extended family, who were not only family but dear friends.
Calling hours for Gary will be Sunday, July 22, from 3-6 p.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. A funeral Mass and interment beside his parents will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Grafton Fire Department, 26 Upton St., Grafton, MA 01519 or to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.
