Adam J Messier

We are heartbroken to announce that Adam J. Messier was taken from us in September of 2017. After more than six long years, we finally will be able to put Adam to rest.

Adam was born on August 23, 1978 in Springfield, MA. He graduated from Murdock High School in Winchendon, MA in 1996 and in 1998, he followed in his father's footsteps by enlisting in the US Navy.

Adam had an accomplished military career and was a highly specialized Petty Officer. He was an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman First Class, an Aviation Warfare Specialist, and a Naval Parachutist. Adam could do things only a few others could do. His achievements include becoming a Static-Line Jumpmaster, a Military Free-Fall Parachute Jumpmaster, a Helicopter Rope Suspension Technician Master, and a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) Jumpmaster.

While stationed in Guam, Adam was assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit FIVE. Navy EOD Technicians undergo specialized training and are members of the Naval Special Operations community. Adam's unit, EODMU-5, provides mine countermeasures as well as joint expeditionary and special operations forces for missions within the Western Pacific.

Adam was deployed overseas during the Iraq War, earning the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Service medal. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal three times, awarded for outstanding professional leadership or acheivement. He earned the esteemed Gold Parachutist Badge, commonly referred to as "Jump Wings." Because of his skill level, Adam was selected to train others and became a certified Naval Parachutist Instructor. He took great pride in his ability to train others.

Adam greatly enjoyed visiting his mom Patti's middle school class, showing off his gear, teaching students about the military, and telling stories about jumping out of planes. He even took his mom tandem sky diving!

Adam served on the USS Wasp and eventually moved to Guam where he was stationed. It was there that he met his wife Joanne and his stepdaughters Stephanie and Rhiannon. Adam and Joanne married in 2004, and in 2006, welcomed their son Jesse, named after Adam's late maternal grandfather to whom he was especially close.

Adam loved being a father more than anything. He was a proud and involved father to his children. Adam and Jesse enjoyed playing video games together and shared a love of Star Wars. To quote their favorite movies, "No one's ever really gone.” 

Adam leaves behind parents Jim and Patti Messier of Winchendon, MA; wife Joanne and son Jacintho "Jesse" Messier of Inalahan, GU; step-daughter USAF Staff Sergeant Stephanie Vitkovitsky of San Antonio, TX; step-daughter Rhiannon Bartlett of Inalahan, GU; sister Nicole Doak and her husband Kevin of Framingham, MA; brother Matthew Messier and his wife Hanna of Sandy, OR; and sister Danielle Pineo and her husband Andy of Winchendon, MA. Adam was an uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Adam was predeceased by paternal grandparents Walter and Freda Messier of Feeding Hills, MA and  maternal grandparents Jacintho "Jesse" and Jean Henriques of Ludlow, MA.

Adam's life will be honored and celebrated on Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475. Visiting hours will start at 11am with a 1pm funeral service.

Burial will be at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

All are invited to attend.

Because flowers are not allowed at the Veteran's Cemetery, Adam's family asks that donations be made to the Friends of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, PO Box 264, Winchendon, MA 01475. Adam was always willing to help others however he could. So, in lieu of flowers, please honor Adam's memory by helping other veterans.

To leave a message of condolence or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com.