Gilford, NH-----Wilbur J. Messier, 91, of Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH formerly of Manchester, CT, died peacefully after enjoying one of his favorite things, dining out and a martini on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Lakes Region General Hospital.
Mr. Messier was born on September 26, 1923 in Manchester, CT the son of Wilbrod and Agnes (Tournaud) Messier. Wilbur graduated early from Manchester High School, CT to serve as a Sergeant in the 1ST Marine Division of the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII in the South Pacific. After serving in the war he attended college graduating from University of Connecticut.
Mr. Messier was a Senior Training Officer for Aetna Life & Casualty Co. He was a member of the Army & Navy Club and the Bridge Club in Manchester, CT. Wilbur enjoyed golfing but most of all spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mr. Messier is survived by three sons; Kenneth J. Messier and his wife, Katherine, of Simsbury, CT, James R. Messier and his wife, Linda, of Vernon, CT and Thomas C. Messier and his wife, Lisa, of Quincy, MA; three daughters, Claudia A. Messier, of Gilford, NH, Mary M. Wrinn and her husband, James, of S. Yarmouth, MA and Susan M. Holland and her husband, Todd, of Amherst, MA; eighteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a son-in-law Lawrence Cagianello, of Middletown, CT and by the Finnegan step children and their families. In addition to his parents Wilbur is predeceased by his first wife, Betty Jane (Whitham) Messier and by his second wife, Lucille (Finnegan) Messier and by his daughter, Kathryn E. Cagianello.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 10:00am at St. James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester, CT.
Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. James Cemetery, Manchester, CT.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to St. James School Foundation 73 Park Street, Manchester, CT 06040.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.