Roland L. Messett

Roland L. “Ron” Messett, 82, of Sharpsville, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday afternoon, May 30, 2026, in UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

Mr. Messett was born March 15, 1944, in Sharon, a son of the late Roland M. and Doris E. (McDowell) Messett, and graduated from Sharon High School in 1962.

Following graduation, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Boxer during the Vietnam War until being honorably discharged on September 9, 1966.

For many years, Ron worked as a salesman at Sharon Chrysler Plymouth, retiring in 2006 following 30 years of service.

Ron was of the Protestant faith and served as the choir director at Hubbard Church of the Nazarene for several years.

A man of many athletic and recreational pursuits, he won numerous gold medals at the Senior Olympics and always looked forward to playing pickleball, basketball, golf, or softball with his good friends. Ron also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, especially at Pymatuning Lake. Ron will be remembered for his crushing handshakes, secret-recipe root beer floats, and “Happy Motoring” farewells.

Above all else, Ron dedicated his life to his family. He was a devoted husband, caring father, and adoring grandpa.

His beloved wife of 59 years, Judith L. “Judy” (Sackett) Messett, whom he married February 11, 1967, survives at their home in Sharpsville.

Ron is also survived by three sons, Keith Messett (Beth), Sharpsville, Timothy Messett (Amity), Sauquoit, NY, and Kirk Messett (JoAnn), Hermitage; seven grandchildren, Emma and Max Messett, Alyssa Holland (Caleb), Brent Messett (Kendra), and Xian Messett, and Abigail and Paige Messett; seven adopted grandchildren, Elizabeth, Lewis, Jackie, Tami, Mena, Deanie and Mookie; and three great-grandchildren, Vega, Fitz, and Ever.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Shernisky and Nadine Bateman.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to the Mercer County Senior Games, C/O The Mercer County Agency on Aging, 133 North Pitt Street, Mercer, PA 16137.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (6-2-26) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday (6-3-26) in the funeral home, with Pastor Joe Marzano, officiating.

Full military honors will be rendered by the Wheatland AL and West Middlesex VFW Honor Guard.

Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.