Indian River Mourns the Passing of Life Member – Dominic A. Messina

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is saddened to announce the passing of Dominic A. Messina.

Dominic was an extremely active volunteer fire police officer for many years serving in a variety of offices and positions to assist his community in need.  Indian River extends its condolences and deepest gratitude to the families and loved ones of Dominic.

Dominic applied to join the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in January, 1994 and became instrumental in many duties and responsibilities during his active tenure over the next few decades.

During his tenure with Indian River, Dominic served as Fire Police Captain and performed many other committee assignments and tasks such as Fire Prevention, Ways & Means coordinating the chicken barbecue events and the golf tournaments.  Dominic was awarded a Life Membership for his service and dedication to the volunteer fire service.  Dominic's insight and experiential skills helped develop many successful fundraising endeavors while serving as Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee.  Dominic also served as a Delegate / Alternate with the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association (DVFA) as well as being President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President of the Sussex County Fire Police Association.  Dominic did have previous firefighting experience with the Edgemont Fire Company in Edgemont, Pennsylvania before joining Indian River.

We wish to offer the Messina Family as well as any extended family and friends our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Specific information regarding Dominic’s services will be:                 

• Place:              Melson’s Funeral Home – Long Neck Chapel - 32013 Long Neck Rd, Millsboro, DE 19966

• Date:                           Monday, August 28, 2023

• Visitation:                     12 n.

• Memorial:                    1 p.

• Place of Reception:    Indian River Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. – Station #1 - 32628 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE  19966

• Time of Reception:      2:30 p.

Dominic’s Obituary is as follows:

• Melson's Funeral Home - Long Neck Chapel - https://www.melsonfuneralservices.com/obituary/dominic-messina

• Cape Gazette - https://www.capegazette.com/article/dominic-messina-master-handyman/263123

Dominic A. Messina, master handyman - published August 18, 2023

Dominic A. Messina, a Millsboro resident, unexpectedly passed away Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, at home. He was born Aug. 31, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pa. Dominic's life was defined by his unwavering love for his family and friends.

Dominic was a dedicated member of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, where he served as the fire police captain and chairman of the ways and means committee, spearheading many successful fundraising events, including his famous chicken barbecues.

Dominic's true passion was in the kitchen, where he loved making meals for his family, friends and numerous volunteer organizations. In addition to his culinary talents, Dominic was a master handyman who had the extraordinary ability to fix anything with just about anything.

Known for his knack of finding treasures at great bargains, Dominic was a collector of many things. However, his most cherished collection was the wealth of memories he made with his wife of 55 years, Carol; his two beloved daughters, Carolanne and Michele; his four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; the Di’Pierro Family; and many nieces and nephews.

His infectious smile and willingness to extend a helping hand touched the lives of many. May his memory continue to inspire us to cherish our families and utilize our talents to improve the world around us. Rest peacefully, Dominic. We will miss you.

A celebration of Dominic’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 28, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may gather after 12 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Dominic’s name to Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, 32628 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting http://melsonfuneralservices.com.