Thomas Phillip Messina Sr. of Everett, known as “Duke,” who ran machines for a living, then started a cleaning business of his own, and raised his son as a single father, died in Boston on November 11, 2026. He was 72.
He was the son of the late Salvatore C. and Anna M. (Famiglietti) Messina. His family traces the nickname to the idea of a leader who works unseen, and says the second half never fit him: whatever role was needed, he turned up for it.
Most of what the family chose to record is about home. He watched his son grow up and marry, and he teased his daughter-in-law as a way of showing how much he valued her years of care. With his grandson he argued, happily and at length, over who was the best professional wrestler ever. With his granddaughter he colored, played cards, read, and worked on her handwriting.
He leaves his son, Thomas P. Messina Jr., and daughter-in-law, Marianne E. (Hussey); his grandson, Marco D. Dipascale Jr.; and his granddaughter, Haleigh E. Messina. The family also names his pets, Rocco, Angel, Gizmo, ChiChi and Taz, all of Everett. A sibling died before him.
The notice lists no public service. Arrangements are with Boston Cremation in Malden.
Compiled from information published by Boston Cremation, Malden. Photograph courtesy of the family via Boston Cremation. This is our own summary, not the family’s obituary; read the full obituary and leave a condolence at the funeral home’s page on Legacy.com. Corrections: we will fix any error promptly.