Frederick W. Messenger

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Frederick W. Messenger, 85, of Terryville, on August 6, 2025 at Waterbury Hospital with his loving wife at his side. Fred was the devoted husband of Exelda Kaminski Messenger for 34 blessed years. Born January 30, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Miles and Josephine (Wright) Messenger. 
Fred was an Air Force veteran who proudly served our country during the Vietnam era. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he first began working at Pratt & Whitney, and then moved to Southern New England Telephone working his way up to district operations manager and remaining with the company as it transitioned to what is now AT&T. After 34 years of excellent work, Fred retired. He was the man you called if you needed something fixed. As a jack of all trades and a good friend to all, he applied his skill and time to helping others tackle their projects.

More than anything, Fred was a loving husband. He was a calming presence, champion, and soulmate. As the Sunday morning chef for the breakfast club, he brought comfort, humor, and genuine friendship. Fred was a dog lover and Luna, his canine sidekick, was spoiled in the most loving way. He enjoyed rides on the John Deere tractor maintaining his meticulous lawn and growing beautiful gardens. As an avid reader, he continued his zest for learning, particularly science and history.  Fred cared about his community and as such was an active member of the Masons and a past Grand Master.  More than anything Fred was a kind, caring human being who left this world a little bit better. His life, his love, his legacy will be cherished by all who were blessed to know him.

Besides his loving wife Exelda, Fred is survived by his daughter, Trisha Messenger and her husband Lemuel of South Carolina; his stepson, Jason Stasonis of Florida; and his sister-in-law Karen Chalmers and her husband John, of Terryville. Fred was predeceased by his brothers; Beverly, Merlin, and Miles Jr., and sisters; Naomi and Lois. He is also predeceased by his sister-in-law Patricia Nimchek.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 18, 2025 from 4 PM to 6 PM at Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect. A Service of Remembrance and Celebration of Fred‘s life will begin at 6 PM followed by military honors.  Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services and care for Fred and his family throughout their grief journey. You are invited to share your favorite memories, photos, and words of comfort on Fred’s tribute wall on this website.  In honor of Fred’s service to the community and love of children memorial donations to the Masonic Dyslexia Program are greatly appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick W. Messenger, please visit our floral store.