Obituary: Neil “Skippy” Messino

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Neil “Skippy” Messino

Neil “Skippy” Messino, passed away peacefully, at the age of 59, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Loyola Medical Center. Neil was born in Chicago, IL, on February 2, 1964, the son of the late Charles and Beverly (nee Andrews) Messino.

Neil was a 1982 graduate of A.A. Stagg High School. He began his lifelong membership of Teamsters Local 705 I.B. of T with McLean Trucking Company. In 1985, he joined Airborne Express. He rose in the ranks of the Union from Shop Steward to eventually becoming 705’s Contract Administrator.

In a life dedicated to the advancement of organized labor, Neil was able to earn degrees from Cornell University in Labor Relations Contract Negotiations, Labor Relations Collective Bargaining, and Advanced Collective Bargaining Studies. Neil completed the Professional Development Program at Northwestern University, as well as the DePaul University Labor Leadership Program.

Neil is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Kristin (nee Koenig) Messino; two sons, Niko (Courtney) Messino and Neil Jr. (Amber Morgan) Messino; his bonus mom, Arlene Messino; siblings, Deborah (Walter) Kouri, Florence (Peter) Gerlach, D’Lorah “Dee” (Pete) Catizone, Chuck (Stacey) Messino, Penny (the late Bob Kleinschmidt) Petersen, and Mark (Barbara) Petersen; nieces and nephews, Ryan (Jennifer) Jacobson, Nicholas (Mary) Catizone, Kate Catizone, Bradley (Roxanne) Jacobson, Douglas (Stephanie) Kouri, David (Cassandra Orszulak) Gerlach, Alicia (Cody) Vanghel, Jessica (Jerrid) Wagenschutz, Aly (fiancée Brian) Irwin, Charlie Messino III.; father-in-law, William (the late Darlene Koenig) Koenig; his in-laws, Linda (Mike) Rendak and Brian (David John) Koenig; and great nieces and nephews, Jake, Rooney and Reese Jacobson, Grant and Eleanor Catizone, Oliver and Kane Jacobson, Landon, Liv and Liam Kouri, Rudy Gerlach, Kori, Graham, and Noelle Vanghel, and James Wagenschutz. He is also survived by numerous cousins and friends.

He is preceded by his parents.

A Memorial Gathering for Neil Messino will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be used to support Neil’s favorite charity.

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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