Andrew "Andy" George Messina, Sr.

Andrew George Messina Sr. 1937-2023 Andrew “Andy” George Messina Sr., a local Restauranteur, passed away peacefully in Covington, Louisiana on January 6, 2023 at the age of 85. Andy is preceded in death by his father, George Messina, mother Mathilde Brower Messina and sister, MaryLynn Messina Rudiger. Also preceded in death by the love of his life, married for 58 years, Isabel Rodriguez Messina. He was devoted father of George (Stacey), Drew, Nick (Stacy), and Tina Messina Urban (Michael). “Paw” was a loving grandfather of Andrew (Amanda), Ainsley (Lincoln), and Trace; and great grandchildren, George and Emily. Andrew was born in New Orleans and graduated from Frances T. Nicholls High School where he was a member of the marching band. After graduation, he attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Returning to New Orleans Andy and his father, George, opened a Barber Shop in The Fountainbleau Hotel on Tulane Avenue. Soon Andy found his true calling as a Restaurateur. In 1961 Andy and his father opened the first restaurant in Kenner, Messina’s Restaurant. It quickly became an important part of the Kenner community landscape. It served as many uses over the years, including as the temporary St Jerome Parish Church as well as a city Hurricane Shelter. Following his father’s death in 1965, the Kenner restaurant was renamed Andy Messina’s Restaurant and Bar. Under Andy’s leadership, Messina’s grew into a landmark for locals to celebrate weddings and special occasions in the Maria Isabel Room, to dine in the restaurant for an authentic Italian Family dinner, and to enjoy raw oysters at the famous oyster bar. Andy always welcomed his customers with warm hospitality and considered his many employees as family. Andy was a member of the Kenner Lion’s Club for many years and was a huge supporter of the early growth of Kenner and Jefferson Parish. He was an avid supporter of his children’s many sports and activities at Kehoe France in Metairie and then later at St. Paul’s School and St. Scholastica Academy in Covington. Andy, along with his wife Isabel, loved opening their home to family and friends and hosting many celebrations. One of Andy’s favorite family activities was Sunday afternoon boat riding on his beloved pontoon along the Tchefuncte River. He also enjoyed traveling to visit extended family in New Roads, LA and Chicago, IL. Andy lived as an example by his faith in God, generosity to others, and unconditional love for family and friends. His children summarize the way he lived by the quote: “He never told us how to live, he simply lived and then allowed us to watch and learn.” The Messina Family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the staff at Christwood and Notre Dame Hospice in Covington, LA for their comforting support and loving care. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Andy’s life at L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home at 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner, Louisiana on Monday, January 16, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Mass to be held at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/AndrewMessina. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com

Tributes

Andrew "Andy" George Messina, Sr.

February 14, 1937 - January 6, 2023