Rome, NY-Peter P. Messina, Jr., age 84, of Rome, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY.

Peter was born in Cambridge, NY on May 29, 1933 to the late Peter Sr. and Rachel Plante Messina. He graduated from Cambridge Central School and afterwards, received his Associate’s Degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology. He was formerly married to Hanne Bjerre. Peter proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a CMSgt after 30 years of honorable service. He continued working as a safety and training supervisor at Birnie Bus Service in Rome.

Peter was a life member of the Rome VFW Post 2246, the DAV, and the Smith Post American Legion #24, and a former member of the Rome Kiwanis. He loved cars and was a Formula V racer along with his son Peder. He was a proud American.

Peter is survived by his two daughters, AnnMarie Messina and her husband, Danny Nielsen, and Susanne (Allan) Messina of Denmark; a son, Peder III and his wife, Tina of Rome; grandchildren, Richie (Mie) Messina Jensen, Julie Messina, Emily (Mikkel) Messina Jensen, Carissa (Joseph) Savoy, and Skye Messina; and two great grandchildren, Victoria Messina Jensen and Elly Messina Biehl; two great grandchildren on the way; a brother, Albert Messina of Cambridge, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Marie Edna Messina; and sister in law, Sharron Messina.

Peter’s funeral with military honors will be held on March 7 at 1:30 PM at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge, NY. A calling hour will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DAV, 407. E. Dominick Street, Rome, NY 13440 and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.