Obituary of Marie T. Messina

MARIE T. BRUNI MESSINA, age 89, of Teaneck, passed away peacefully at Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River, NJ on August 9, 2018. She was born on November 30, 1928, in Greenwich Village, NYC to the late John and Rose Bruni. She graduated at the top of her class from Cathedral High School in NYC. She married the love of her life, Deacon Vincent Messina, on October 31, 1953, and he preceded her in death on January 31, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Jean Palmieri and Dorothy Nogueras, and son-in-law Anthony Ribustello. After raising her children in the Bronx, NY and Teaneck, NJ, Marie worked at Fairleigh Dickinson University Dental School for many years. Marie loved and lived for her family. She had a very strong faith and was devoted to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, often sharing many of his teachings and words of faith. "Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God's heart." Marie is survived by her daughter Karen Ribustello, son Paul Messina and his wife Nancy, daughter Maria Potter and her husband Bruce, grandchildren Jessie, Allison, Jamie, Kimberly, Robert, Katie, and Kristyn, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral is on Monday, August 13, 2018 at 8:45 AM at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack. Interment will follow at Hackensack Cemetery, Hackensack. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM for visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Villa Marie Claire Hospice, 12 West Saddle River Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458.