Rick Messina GoFundMe Campaign
Event dates: July to August 2024
On a bright, sunny Monday (June 24, 2024), Rick Messina, the head Pusch Ridge Golf Course groundskeeper, was mowing the fairway on the 8th hole when a swarm of traveling bees attacked him. After three days in the hospital, he lost his battle.
Rick’s commitment to the course's beauty, improvement, and playability—all year long—was incredible. The players, local homeowners, and his El Conquistador Golf team members appreciated Rick’s hard work, infectious smile, and signature Boston accent.
Rick shared a home in Tucson with his elderly parents – John and Marlene Messina. They will have expenses to deal with during this challenging time and the loss of Rick.
The Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf (FOPRG) Board ran and managed a GoFundMe campaign to help Rick’s parents and to show them how much Rick meant to so many people.
Within 1.5 months of campaigning, the GoFundMe account had amassed $11,718.81.
On August 12, 2024, Darryl Janisse (G.M. El Conquistador Golf) and Anna Bifano (V.P. FOPRG) met Rick Messina’s parents, John and Marlene Messina, and presented them with the check.
Darryl and Anna took the Messina’s on a tour of the Pusch Ridge course, visiting every hole and pointing out the work Rick was so proud of.
They spent time on the number four tee box, where Darryl and Anna shared plans for a tranquility garden. The Messina’s absolutely loved the view of Pusch Ridge, and Marlene kept saying, “Ricky loved his job, and now I know why!”
As the group drove by the homes that line Pusch Ridge, the Messina’s kept saying, " Now we understand.” Rick talked to his parents about meeting the homeowners as well as the golfers, and he loved the conversations. John asked about the lady Rick saw walking her little dog every morning. Apparently, he appreciated their conversations and told his parents about her and other special encounters.
After the course tour, the group returned to the clubhouse, where John and Marlene picked out Pusch Ridge Golf hats. Marlene said that she would wear hers every day. She also picked up some golf balls in the cart barn and later called to share that she put them in a bowl on Rick’s bureau.
The Messina’s appreciate Darryl and the support they have received from his El Conquistador Golf team and the Troon organization.
A few days after the Messina’s received the check, they wrote FOPRG and asked that we share the following.
“Our family would like to extend our gratitude for the money raised from Rick’s GoFundMe account. We are all overwhelmed with the kindness that you all showed to our son Rick. He loved working at Pusch Ridge and was proud to have known such lovely friends and coworkers. Thank you to Darryl and Anna for the meaningful tour of Ricky’s course and the plans for the number 4th tee box.
With affection, from our family
John and Marlene Messina”
Rick’s loss will be felt by his colleagues, our golfers, and the homeowners around the course for years to come. It's a reminder of the strong bonds we share in our community, which is truly a community of caring and generous people.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the GoFundMe campaign.
