from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Vincent Dean Messina, 75, died Oct. 14, 2014, at his home in Haines City, Fla., after a brief illness.

Mr. Messina was born on Aug. 28, 1939, in Batavia, N.Y., the oldest son of the late Charles and Beatrice (Martino) Messina. He graduated in 1957 from Notre Dame High School and then went on to attend Niagara University and the University of Buffalo.

He worked as a Union Official at Batavia Downs and also worked on many construction projects throughout the area until retiring to Florida in 1999. Mr. Messina enjoyed the harness racing industry and was a former harness horse owner and member of the United States Trotting Association. He loved all sports, especially football.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean (Krakus) Messina; daughters, Denise (Charles) Hull and Theresa (Steve) DiMarco; son, Dean (Patricia Orlando); grandchildren, Anthony, Christopher, Andrew, Lucas Hull, Lauren Hull, Samantha DiMarco and Phillip; aunts and an uncle; cousins; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and brothers, Charles (Patricia Tatarka) and Paul (Sharon Mancuso).

Paul currently owns and trains Standardbreds at Batavia Downs.

A memorial service is being planned for the spring at Resurrection Parish in Batavia where Mr. Messina was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Development Department, Good Shepherd Hospice, 320 W. Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33815.