Maurice F. Massa

Maurice F. Massa, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, at the age of 83. He was born on October 30, 1940, in Gary, IN, to Maurice and Frances Massa. He was the oldest of three children and grew up with his sister, Carol Massa (Vale) and brother, Jeffrey Massa. He is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Frances Massa; siblings: Carol Massa (Vale) and Jeffrey Massa and his wife, Janice Massa (Wheat). Maurice graduated from Lew Wallace High School as class president in 1958 and then went on to graduate from Drake University in 1963 with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. After co-owning and operating J-Mar Pharmacy for 30 years, he finished up his 46-year career managing the local Target pharmacy in Valparaiso where he mentored some exceptional coworkers. He was known for his professionalism, kindness, and generosity and was truly valued and trusted by his customers and colleagues. Maurice married Janice Massa (Wheat) in 1964 and had three sons: Craig (Karen) Massa of Roswell, GA, Matt (Deanna) Massa of Naperville, IL, and Marc (Amy) Massa of Pottstown, PA, who were the pride and joy of their lives. Maurice was a devoted and supportive father who actively coached each of his sons' baseball and basketball teams and introduced them to a couple of their favorite hobbies: golf and snow skiing. Maurice was a proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Colin, Haley, Sydney, Natalie, Evan and Nicholas. He loved to spoil them, tell them stories, and was a frequent spectator at their sports. He always had a smile and a joke for them and made them feel special and loved. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, reading, a variety of music, the winters in Fort Myers, FL and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 1 p.m. until time of memorial service at 5 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Rev. Thomas E. Mischler officiating. Services will terminate at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research (michaeljfox.org) or Dunes Hospice LLC Valparaiso, IN (duneshospicellc.com) in his memory. Maurice will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a wonderful man who touched many lives with his warmth, humor, and generosity. He left a lasting legacy of love and service that will be cherished by his family and friends. www.burnsfuneral.com

Maurice F. Massa

October 30, 1940 - July 16, 2024