David Messina, cherished family, friends

David (Dave) Messina of Ashburn, Va., died Saturday, June 24, 2023, as the result of emergency heart surgeries in Herzliya, Israel, while on holiday travel with his partner, Bob. Dave’s loss was completely unexpected, and the entire family is both shocked and deeply saddened by his passing.

David Messina was born in 1956 to Arlene and Salvatore Messina in Hammonton, N.J. After Dave’s father passed away at a young age, he was adopted by Joseph Berenato, and Dave always considered him his father. He graduated high school with numerous honors including mathematics, computer science and physics. He matriculated to University of Delaware majoring in computer science, graduating in 1978. His career included 30 years at Lockheed Martin, where he retired as director of business development. Two years post-retirement, he was recruited by Modern Technology Solutions Inc. (MTSI) as vice president of national security and promoted to executive vice president of national security.

To anyone lucky enough to know him, he was a true Renaissance man. He had many different passions including gardening, entertaining, international travel, snow skiing, and a love of cooking, but most of all being around his family and friends. He loved Rehoboth Beach and spent many weekends there with friends. He loved it so much, he decided to retire there. His strength of character was evident to all who knew him personally and professionally. He was someone who people looked to for advice, after truly listening, and many people went to him for advice both at work and in his personal life.

Dave is survived by his partner of 24 years, Robert W. McCollar, who works for Loudoun County as an international business developer. Dave is survived his daughter, Stephanie Miranda, her husband Kevin, and their two children Lillian and Adrian of Alexandria, Va.; and his son, Adam Messina and his partner Ashley Watson of Leesburg, Va. His family and friends will miss him more than words could ever say.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be held from noon to 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Rehoboth, where Dave was a member.