Gene Messina, 56

by Daily Inter Lake
| September 19, 2006 1:00 AM

Gene Messina, 56, lost his battle with cancer on Sept. 14, 2006.

Gene was born in Chicago on Feb. 19, 1950, to Marie and Geto Messina.

On Dec. 11, 1984, he married Carol Varese. They lived in Tucson from 1985 to 1999. They moved from Tucson to Bigfork before settling in Grants Pass, Ore., in 2002.

Gene received his master's degree in special education and rehabilitation. He spent the majority of his career working with the mentally and physically disabled population. Gene worked for Options of Southern Oregon before his cancer forced him to retire in December 2005.

Gene is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons, Mike and Jason Varese; daughter-in-law, Cheryl; granddaughter, Dakota; and grandson, Naiche.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Youth Ministry at Calvary Chapel, 235 SE Seventh St., Grants Pass, OR 97526.

Memorial service to be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Calvary Chapel, 235 SE Seventh St., Grants Pass, OR 97526.