Della Messaina

Della Messina
September 22, 1930 – October 12, 2026
Della Messina, 96, of Warrington, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 12, 2026.
Born on September 22, 1930, in Philadelphia, Della was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Angelina (Lima) Messina. After losing her mother at a young age, Della developed a loving and lifelong bond with her stepmother, Millie (Bonanno) Messina, who became an important part of her life.
A proud daughter of South Philadelphia, Della graduated from South Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1949. Her high school yearbook described her as someone who loved dancing and was always happy — a fitting glimpse into the joyful and spirited woman she would remain throughout her life.
At a time when opportunities for independent, unmarried women were far more limited than they are today, Della forged her own path with confidence, determination, and an adventurous spirit. She built an impressive career at the United States Naval base in South Philadelphia, beginning as a junior secretary and advancing to become the executive secretary to the base's commanding officer. Her accomplishments were a testament to her intelligence, dedication, and strong work ethic.
Della embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She had a passion for travel and explored destinations around the world, often accompanied by her dear friends Carmela and Mary. Beautiful, independent, and fearless, she never let convention define what she could accomplish or where life could take her.
She spent most of her life in her beloved South Philadelphia, living near the city's sports complex. Della particularly loved the Phillies, following the team closely and frequently attending games.
Above all else, Della cherished her family. She was a devoted daughter, loving sister, and treasured aunt whose presence enriched the lives of generations of nieces, nephews, and extended family. She shared an especially close bond with her brother Anthony, and his wife, Rose, and their children and grandchildren, as well as with her sister Sue, her husband Gene and their children and grandchildren.
Della was preceded in death by her parents, Giovanni and Angelina Messina; her beloved stepmother, Millie (Bonanno) Messina; her brother, Anthony Messina, who passed away in 2006; and her sister, Sue Olson, who passed away in 2018.
She is lovingly remembered by Anthony and Rose's children: Glenn Messina (Sandy) and their children, Megan Messina and Kevin Messina; Gail Hillman (William), their children, Brooke Hillman, Brian Hillman (Gabrielle), and their children; and Lisa Messina (Barbara DiEmilio).
She is also lovingly remembered by Sue and Gene's children: Lori Laufer (Joe) and their children, Natasha (Ryan), Nicholas Laufer (Micheala), and Kathryn Laufer; and John Olson (Kristine) and their children, Grant Olson and Leah Olson.
Della also maintained treasured relationships with the many members of the Bonanno family with whom she grew up in South Philadelphia. She was especially close to her cousins - all of whom preceded her in death and remained connected to their children and grandchildren throughout her life.
Della lived a remarkable 96 years, witnessing extraordinary changes in the world while always remaining true to herself. She was a woman ahead of her time — independent, accomplished, adventurous, and unafraid to make her own way. She will be remembered for her beauty, her strength, her joyful spirit, her love of family, and the example she set of a life lived fully.
Relatives and friends are invited Tuesday, October 20th, to Plunkett McFillin Funeral Home and Cremation at 529 N. York Rd. Hatboro, PA. 19040 to attend her viewing from 9am-10:30am, where her service will begin at 10:30am. Interment will take place at St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation https://safeharborfoundation.org, an organization supporting seriously wounded, ill, and injured Navy and Coast Guard service members and their families.
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.