MESSINA, Dr. Joel Michael, of Plant City, Fla. went to his eternal resting place with the Lord on July 26, 2010. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Katharine Harrison Messina, and survived by his wife, Linda Messina; six children, Katharine Messina Coryn (Thomas), Joel Messina II (Cathy), James Messina (Angela), Robert Messina, Skip Athey (Tamra), Scott Athey (Melanie); eleven grandchildren, Daniel Coryn, Megan Messina, Katharine Coryn, Branden Messina, Mandy Athey, Kameron Athey, Erin Messina, Joel Messina III, Cody Athey, Karson Athey and Kaden Athey; and two sisters Mary Ann Kramer and Ruth Neapolitan.

Born Sept. 5, 1929 in Schenectady, NY, he graduated from Hartwick College in 1951 and received his medical degree from Kirksville Osteopathic College in 1955. He completed his internship at Stevens Park Osteopathic Surgery, and residences in obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery.

Dr. Messina began his private practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Warren, MI in 1960, where he was instrumental in the development of Bi-County Hospital in 1964. In 1974, he moved to St. Petersburg, Fla. where he was on staff at six hospitals in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Messina was the first OBGYN specialist on staff at Brandon Regional Hospital when its doors opened.

During his professional life, he delivered many babies in the cities he practiced, served on the boards of countless hospitals, and received a lifetime membership in the American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecologists.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, July 30, 2010 at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation, or Bell Shoals Baptist Church Benevolence Foundation.