Albert James Messmer, Sr.

Albert James “Red” Messmer, Sr., 78 of Vanport passed away on Monday February 22, 2016 at Good Samaritan Hospice, Beaver after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born May 13, 1937 in South Heights, PA, he was a son of the late Robert and Dorothy Messmer. A former resident of Center Township, Red retired from J & L Steel and Millcraft of Washington, PA and was a member of New Brighton United Methodist Church. After retirement, he worked part time as a maintenance man for Van Buren Homes. Red was a jack of all trades from building his own house to making one car out of two. He will long be remembered for making everyone laugh with his crafty and witty jokes and pranks. His sense of humor and laughter was one of his greatest gifts to his family and will long be his legacy.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene in August 2015, first wife Veronica in 1993 and a brother Fred Messmer.

Red is survived by one son, Jim (Denise) Messmer, Vanport, a daughter, Amber Messmer, Vanport, three stepsons Bob (Robin) Turner, Aliquippa, Tony Paich, Reno, NV, Lou (Mary Jo) Paich, Center Twp., one stepdaughter Joyce (Don) Gindlesperger, Mars, PA, a brother, Paul Messmer, Uniontown, PA, two sisters, Carolyn (Frank) Cole, Ohioview, Diane (Bill) Springer, Vanport, a sister-in-law Pauline Messmer, Vanport, a brother-in-law Wilbert “Wimp” (Amelia) Enders and five step-grandchildren, Laura, Sarah and Bobby Renfrew and Brenton and Colin Paich.

Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A funeral service will be conducted Friday, 11:00 am, at the New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 Sixth Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066. Interment will follow at the Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Red’s name can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of Beaver.