A funeral service for Steve Massa, 55, of Dresden, will be held at 2PM Wednesday June 9, 2010 at the Dresden Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home, 714 Main Street, with Rob Turner officiating. Internment will follow at the Dresden Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4PM & 6-8PM Tuesday at the funeral home.
With his loving wife Jenny by his side, Steve died on June 5, 2010 at home after a lengthy illness. In November 2006, Steve was diagnosed with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrigâ??s Disease. Throughout his illness, while this terrible disease ravaged his body, he maintained a positive attitude and in spite of the pain he never complained. Always one to put the feelings of others ahead of his own, Steve made it as easy as possible for his family and friends by talking of his disease in clinical terms and often taking the emotion out of the conversation. Although only married for 5 ½ years, in their short time together Steve and Jenny created fond memories, realized many dreams and everyday lived life to the fullest. Jenny was his angel on earth and lovingly cared for him to the end.
Steve was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio to Paul and Gladys Massa on April 18, 1955. In 1964 his family moved to Granville, Ohio where he attended Granville schools, graduating from GHS in1973. As a young man he lived and worked in Louisiana and Colorado, eventually returning to Ohio. In 1986 he received Emergency Medical Training certification and in 1990 Paramedic certification. During his professional career he was employed by Courtesy Ambulance Service, Coshocton County EMS, Walhonding Valley Fire Department, and Med Flight of Ohio. Prior to his diagnosis, Steve worked for Genesis Good Samaritan Hospital and was part of the start up crew for the MICU, Mobile Intensive Care Unit. Over the years, Steve actively volunteered his service for the Madison Township Fire Department, Walhonding Valley Fire Department and the City of Heath Fire Department.
Steve received the honored Star of Life award in May of 2000 for his life saving services as a paramedic. In 2009, Steve wrote the book, A Life Savers Story by a Person with ALS, to share his experience with ALS. It is a glimpse into life after diagnosis of a man who played the hand he was dealt with wisdom, love, courage, acceptance and determination; a truly remarkable man who will live in our hearts forever.
Steve is preceded in death by his father, Paul L. Massa; survived by his loving wife Jenny (Miller) Massa; step daughters, Katlyn and Courtney Bice all of the home; his mother, Gladys Massa of Newark, Ohio, his son Stephen A Massa of Newark, daughter Brooke Sherpenskas of Delaware; 2 brothers, Vince Massa of Granville, Jim Massa of Colorado Springs, CO; 3 sisters, Paula Anderson of Grand Junction, CO, Rene Blackburn of Worthington, Theresa Marshall of Gate 3 and constant companions, Cajun and Jewel .
In lieu of flowers please send donations to ALS Guardian Angels 33761 Limerick Lane, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 alsguardianangels.com