
Brunswick-Robert Louis Messier, 92, died peacefully Sunday, February 18th, 2024, at his longtime residence, in Brunswick, with his family by his side following a short illness.
Born in Green Island on January 1st, 1932, Robert was the son of the late Louis G. and Ann E. (Matthews) Messier and, for over 63 years, the husband and best friend of Catherine A. (Bolliger) Messier of Brunswick, who survives. Robert and Catherine were married on February 4th, 1961.
Robert attended school at Catholic Central High School before graduating from Troy High School.
After working for a short time as a bartender at Lou Messier’s Music Bar in Brunswick (owned by his father), Robert enlisted in the United States Navy on June 1st, 1951. Basic training completed, he was stationed at Quonsett Point, Rhode Island, Naval Base and then served aboard several ships during the Korean Conflict and earned the rank of Seaman First Class. On May 27th, 1955, he was honorably discharged with the National Defense and Battle “E” Medals and returned home to the Troy area to continue to work at his father’s bar.
After his marriage to Catherine and establishing a home in Brunswick, Robert took a position with the BASF Company, working as a custodian in the massive Rensselaer plant. Following 30 years of service, where he made many friends among his coworkers, he retired in 1997.
Robert was a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Parish and faithful to the Catholic religion. In retirement, he often walked the “Loop” in Troy, attending morning Mass six days a week, and twice on Saturday. In his quiet time Robert enjoyed reading, walking, and listening to Johnny Cash. His most favorite pastime was spending time with his wife, family, and much- loved grandchildren.
In addition to his loving wife Catherine, Robert is survived by his children, Debra A. Bowes of Pittstown, Darlene P. and Thomas O’Donnell of California, Denise L. and Kenneth Kowalick of Pennsylvania, Robert M. Messier of Florida, and Michael F. Messier of Brunswick, eight grandchildren, Helen, Nico, Thomas, Sean, Nicholas, Kaitlyn, Crystal, and Michael, and two great-grandchildren, Samuel and Connor. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Shirley Messier, and a son-in-law, Andrew Bowes.
A Mass of Christian Resurrection for Robert will be held on Monday, March 4th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m at Our Lady of Victory Church in Sycaway. Inurnment with U.S. Navy honors will follow at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery in Schuylerville. There will be no public calling.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Robert L. Messier.
Born in Green Island on January 1st, 1932, Robert was the son of the late Louis G. and Ann E. (Matthews) Messier and, for over 63 years, the husband and best friend of Catherine A. (Bolliger) Messier of Brunswick, who survives. Robert and Catherine were married on February 4th, 1961.
Robert attended school at Catholic Central High School before graduating from Troy High School.
After working for a short time as a bartender at Lou Messier’s Music Bar in Brunswick (owned by his father), Robert enlisted in the United States Navy on June 1st, 1951. Basic training completed, he was stationed at Quonsett Point, Rhode Island, Naval Base and then served aboard several ships during the Korean Conflict and earned the rank of Seaman First Class. On May 27th, 1955, he was honorably discharged with the National Defense and Battle “E” Medals and returned home to the Troy area to continue to work at his father’s bar.
After his marriage to Catherine and establishing a home in Brunswick, Robert took a position with the BASF Company, working as a custodian in the massive Rensselaer plant. Following 30 years of service, where he made many friends among his coworkers, he retired in 1997.
Robert was a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Parish and faithful to the Catholic religion. In retirement, he often walked the “Loop” in Troy, attending morning Mass six days a week, and twice on Saturday. In his quiet time Robert enjoyed reading, walking, and listening to Johnny Cash. His most favorite pastime was spending time with his wife, family, and much- loved grandchildren.
In addition to his loving wife Catherine, Robert is survived by his children, Debra A. Bowes of Pittstown, Darlene P. and Thomas O’Donnell of California, Denise L. and Kenneth Kowalick of Pennsylvania, Robert M. Messier of Florida, and Michael F. Messier of Brunswick, eight grandchildren, Helen, Nico, Thomas, Sean, Nicholas, Kaitlyn, Crystal, and Michael, and two great-grandchildren, Samuel and Connor. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Shirley Messier, and a son-in-law, Andrew Bowes.
A Mass of Christian Resurrection for Robert will be held on Monday, March 4th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m at Our Lady of Victory Church in Sycaway. Inurnment with U.S. Navy honors will follow at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery in Schuylerville. There will be no public calling.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Robert L. Messier.