Carmen Messina

Messina, Carmelo "Carmen" Paul
October 30 1928 - November 6 2021
Carmelo Messina passed away peacefully November 6th at age 93 in Northridge. Carmelo was a
devoted husband, father and grandfather. Born in Hackensack New Jersey he was one of six
children born to Fedele and Jenny Messina. At the age of 22 Carmelo was drafted into the army
during the Korean War conflict serving in the United Nations Civil Assistants Corps. In 1952 he
pursued his interest in engineering attending Farley Dickenson College in New Jersey. 2 years
later while studying Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Arizona he met his wife of 63
years Patricia Colgan. Being the first in his family to graduate, Carmelo began his initial
employment at General Dynamics in Brighton Connecticut specifically in Welding Development
for nuclear submarines. Shortly thereafter he was blessed with his first child a daughter Leslie
Jean. In 1960 Carmelo and his family moved to the West Coast accepting a position with North
American Aviation. Before long his family grew with the addition of a son Michael Fedele. With
his career continuing its upward climb, Carmelo accepted a position with Atomics International
specializing in E.V. Welding. In 1965 he began working on project Snap 10A an experimental
nuclear powered satellite launched into space marking the first operation of an nuclear reactor
in orbit and first operation of an ion thruster in space. For his contributions Carmelo was
honored with a Letter of Commendation. During his time at Atomics International he worked on
test modules, fuel programs, wind energy programs and solar receiving panels. After accepting
an offer with Rocketdyne in 1982, Carmelo began his work in the Space Shuttle program
specifically on its main engines.
In retirement his love of gardening and cooking shined with Poppy's home grown tomatoes and
his world famous meatballs and sausage.
Carmelo is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia, daughter Leslie and son Michael Messina
sisters Marie, Joanna, Betty and six grandchildren Alex, Nicholas, Maxwell, Melissa, Michael Jr,
Josie, and his Jack Russell Terrier "Scooter". Everyone who came in contact with Carmelo will
remember him as a man of honor, integrity and selflessness who loved his family more than
anything in the world. His Celebration of Life service will be held December 5th 1:00pm at
Crawford Mortuary in Northridge.