ALMANZOR J. "DICKY" MESSIER

Almanzor J. “Dicky” Messier, 70, of Robinson Way, West Warwick, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.  

Born in West Warwick, he was a son of the late Almanzor J. Messier Sr. and the late Gloria (Chandrenette) Messier.

Dicky was one of, if not the most stubborn and hard headed individuals you could ever meet. But he was also one of the most generous too!  He’d give you the shirt off his back and if he had a dollar, there’s no doubt he would give you 99 cents.

He was known for his enviable work ethic and incredible cooking skills.  Coming from poverty and hardship, he began working at an early age, shining shoes and even working as a garbage truck driver as a teenager.  Those factors made providing for his family paramount. 

Dicky proudly served as the chef at Mr. V’s Steakhouse in Coventry for almost 34 years until their closure in 1993.  He continued his culinary career for the next 24 years, still working part time at Sam’s Inn in Warwick just over a year ago.  Even after, still making batches of his very popular homemade pasta sauce. 

While work was important to him, Dicky will be most remembered by those he loved and met for having an infectiously jovial and charismatic personality.  Always quick witted with a joke, whether the time or content was appropriate or not, he would have you laughing for sure.  Especially his grandchildren! Affectionately known as Papa Dicky to them.  The love between Dicky and his grandkids was beautiful to watch!  Working so hard and long in his younger days, he was able to truly enjoy his grandkids in a way he never had the chance to with his own. 

He is survived by his children, Anne Bacon of Coventry, Debra Peterson of North Carolina, Shirley Rodriguez of Georgia, Tina Parker of Kansas, Tracy Messier and her husband David Melo of Coventry and Jason Messier of West Warwick; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  Dicky was one of nine children.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 12:00 – 3:00 pm in the IANNOTTI Funeral Home, 415 Washington St. (Rte.117), Coventry, with a Funeral Service to follow at 3:00 pm.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 would be appreciated.  

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