Anthony Frank “Coach” Messina
Anthony Frank Messina “Coach”, 81, of Tallahassee, peacefully passed away March 17, 2016.
A son of the late Frank and Maria Covino Messina, he was born September 28, 1934, in Watertown, Massachusetts. After a distinguished 22 year career with the United States Coast Guard, retiring as Petty Officer First Class, he joined the FSU Seminoles Football team, as a walk-on player.
He went on to play football and graduate from FAMU. After graduating, he began a career in teaching and coaching at Apalachee Elementary School, Rickards High School and FAMU. He coached many kickers at FAMU, some who went on to be inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
Following his retirement from coaching, he went to work at Hilaman Golf Course, where he was an avid golfer. In his early years, he was a boxer, having trained under Angelo Dundee. He was a true athlete, excelling in all sports.
Surviving him are his wife of 59 years, Frances T. Messina; children, Victoria “Vickie” Robbins, Annette “Toni” Messina and Donna Messina; grandchildren, Anthony Messina, Helen Robbins, Michael (Kim) Rementer, Sharon Rementer, Melissa (Ian) Blake and Frank Humphries; great-grandchildren, Haleigh Blake and Braden Rementer; brother, Vincent J. (Linda) Messina; aunt, Santa Cotoni; a daughter-in-law, Audrey Messina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his sons, Leslie J. Messina and Clifton P. Messina.
Visitation is Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 5 until 7 p.m., at Abbey Funeral Home. The funeral is 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at Abbey Funeral Home, with interment
following at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Big Bend Hospice or FAMU. Online condolences may be expressed at www.abbeyfh.com.