Charles "Cookie" Messina

Charles "Cookie" Messina, 79, left this world peacefully on December, 6, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his Williamstown, NJ home.

Cookie was born in Berlin, NJ, the son of Charles Messina and Frances (Ligameri) Messina. He grew up in Berlin, NJ. He graduated from Edgewood Regional High School in 1964 where he was voted "Class Clown."

After he graduated, he spent time working at Lucas Bakery in Hammonton. He also worked at Johns Manville and then Johnson Matthey. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Berlin Fire Company. His work overlapped for many years with his time spent at Cookie's Garden Mart, on Route 73 in Berlin, which was initially a produce stand his father started. In the 1970s, he turned Cookie's Garden Mart into a garden center. He ran that business in Berlin until 1986, when he moved the business to the White Horse Pike in Clementon.

A loving husband to Diane (Mortillite) Messina, Cookie was a pillar of strength and support for his family. Together, they raised 3 children: Charles Messina (Sherry) of Blue Anchor, Michael Messina (Heather) of Tabernacle and Nicole Messina of Marlton. He was a devoted father, always there to offer guidance, love, and a hearty laugh. He once even won an award for being the "Best Pageant Parent." He cherished family gatherings, and his presence at holidays and celebrations brought warmth and joy to those around him. He loved cutting up great cheese and pepperoni tray for Christmas gatherings at his home.

Cookie was passionate about his garden center. He was more enthusiastic about the people he came into contact with. If you had the pleasure of knowing him, you'd know he would spend hours talking to you. He had stories upon stories to tell to anyone who would listen, even if you were a customer standing in line waiting to cash out. He was known for his generosity. His sense of humor could light up any room.

In his younger days, he was not one to shy away from a chance to gamble a little bit. Whether it be at the casinos in Atlantic City, the racetrack or one of the local fundraiser car raffles, he enjoyed the opportunity to take a chance. Many people may not know, but Cookie drove for Uber for some time. He could tell you stories that would make you laugh until you cried. Once he was pulled over and he thought it was because he was speeding. Turns out he was driving a felon. Another time he picked up a woman from the grocery store. When he arrived at her destination, she asked him if he was going to help her with her groceries. He answered "Lady, do I look like I could help you with your groceries?"

Because if you know, for most of his life, Cookie was a big guy. But his love was even bigger. He loved helping people. He gave so much even when he didn't have so much to give. When getting around became difficult, he found other ways to enjoy life. Whether it was a car ride with Diane to a farm or beach, he found joy just sitting, talking and seeing the beauty around him. To know him was to love him. You were one of the lucky ones if you did know him.

Cookie is survived by his loving wife, Diane, his children Charles, Nicole and Michael, and 5 grandchildren (Shane, Matthew, Jordan, Matt and Sophia). He is survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends who will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his brothers Michael and Albert.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests your support of local garden centers and to tell them Cookie sent you.

Rest in peace, Cookie. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.