Patrick Massa, 91, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018. Patrick was born in Jersey City to the late Nicholas Massa and Mary Cupo Massa. He is predeceased by his brothers Vito Massa and Anthony Massa, sister-in-law Florence Massa, and nephew Dr. Walter G. Barr.
Patrick is survived by his beloved sister Irene Massa and brothers and sisters-in-law Dr. Thomas and Nicol Massa, Nicholas and Linda Massa, and Theresa Massa.
He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews Nicholas and Melody Massa, Dr. Mary Massa-Barr, Vito and Carol Massa, Forrest and Lisa Massa, Nicholas and Carol Massa, Linda Mary and James Saffle and Dr. Nicholas Massa and Dr. Tracy Hurteau-Massa as well as his many great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces.
Patrick graduated from William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City. After graduating, Patrick joined the Army to fight in World War II where he was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was an Artillery Instructor, teaching new recruits. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Patrick joined the Jersey City Fire Department. As a firefighter, Patrick was frequently called upon to risk his own life by rescuing people in danger. Patrick performed various roles over his 30 years of service with the Fire Department including driving the fire truck and even steering the hook-and-ladder. For several years he was the chauffer for Deputy Chief Stanley Finnerty . After retiring, Patrick greatly enjoyed spending time with family and loved ones, doing home repairs and reading. Patrick was a quiet man with a heart of gold and loved by all who knew him.
Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2018 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at RIOTTO FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018, 11:00am at Holy Rosary Church, 344 6th St, Jersey City, NJ (No visiting in the funeral home Saturday morning). Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ.