Paul R. Messinger

funeral director and co-founder, Messinger Mortuaries, Scottsdale, Arizona, died April 22, 2025, at age 95. 

A licensed pilot, Messinger pursued pre-engineering and flight training at Phoenix College Flying School. Messinger then studied at San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. While completing his mortuary science internships at local funeral homes, he continued his engineering education at Arizona State University. He ultimately earned his civil engineering degree and funeral service licenses.

In Phoenix, Messinger became manager of Mercer Mortuary before he and his wife founded Messinger Mortuaries. It was a true family business, as Messinger’s parents, brother and sister joined the effort. The mortuary also provided ambulance service around the clock for both scheduled and emergency calls.