Obituary of Ernest J Messina

How can a person be so many great things in one package to others in many walks of life? Ernest was always full of life wherever he went. He was a loved son, cousin, Godfather, nephew, teacher, and dear friend to many. He was a Veteran teacher of School #5 in Paterson, New Jersey. As he walked through Willowbrook Mall or any nearby establishment, his students would yell his name or give him hug remembering their number one teacher. Ernest was a simple and no frills individual despite his flashy jewelry, cars, and need to care for others. He loved the Beatles, his Sicilian/Italian Heritage, Korean Dramas, reminiscing about family stories, teaching for thirty years in one School, US Army, going to see movies and eating out at restaurants. He accepted other's for themselves and had a way of making his family and close friends feel special. Moreover, he loved history; being a Paterson Native, spending time at Saint Anthony's Men's Club, attending Don Bosco High School and was a huge fan of Notre Dame Football and other sports. He made friends wherever he went. His home was like a museum showing off his numerous interests like Seinfeld, guitars, wall to wall pictures of memories throughout decades, the Soprano's, Rocky Movies, and Sports Memorabilia documenting his lifelong journey. His memory will always be remembered by many and will never go in vein. He is survived by his cousins Angelo De Rose, Adrienne De Rose, Carol Maxwell and Judy Mcmullen as well as close friends Mary Stein, Linda Li-Ang and Teresa Li-Ang.  Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service at Calvary Cemetery, 58 McLean Blvd., Paterson, NJ on Monday May 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM.