John Anthony Messina, Jr.

John Anthony “Checkers” Messina Jr., 73, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on January 24th, 2022. Messina, whose career in live concert production spanned 30 years, died from complications from COVID-19 at Huntsville Hospital in, Huntsville, Alabama.

John was born in Denver, Colorado to John Anthony Messina Sr. and Rebecca “Becky” Messina on May 11th, 1948. He went to high school at Englewood High School and graduated in 1967.

Messina, who was known as “Checkers” among his colleagues, worked live productions at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado, the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, California, and the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He worked at Theatrical Lighting Systems in Huntsville, Alabama for seventeen years.

John enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos, drinking Coors beer, NASCAR, and spending time with his family. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and was released on medical discharge.

John is survived by his son, Will Messina of Huntsville, his daughter, Jane Adams (Thomas) of Huntsville, his granddaughter, Edie Adams of Huntsville, his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Rj Zamparelli of Littleton, his brother, Mike Messina of Denver, his nieces, Tina Zamparelli Coleman of Lakewood and Nicole Zamparelli of Arvada. He is preceded in death by his mother, Becky Messina, his father, John Anthony Messina Sr., and his brother, Eugene Messina.  

At this time no funeral service is scheduled. John wished for his family to scatter his ashes in the Rocky Mountains.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to Fisher House Foundation.

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