John W. Messick | Rose Tree Inn owner, 83

John W. Messick, 83, of Media, former owner of the Rose Tree Inn, died of a heart attack Thursday at his winter home in Vero Beach, Fla.

In 1954, Mr. Messick and his wife, Eunice Allison Messick, built the Rose Tree Inn in Media. The restaurant flourished partly because of Mr. Messick's engaging personality, his son Guy said. He truly enjoyed meeting new people, his son said, and easily conversed with actors, sports figures, and other celebrities including, on one occasion, Robert Oppenheimer, director of the Manhattan Project.

For seven years, the Messicks also operated the Boat House restaurant in Media, which they sold in 1973. They sold the Rose Tree Inn in 1996.

Mr. Messick graduated from Media High School, where he played baseball, basketball and football. During World War II, he served in the Navy in the Pacific aboard the destroyer USS Mugford.

After his discharge he earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Delaware, where he cocaptained a football team that went undefeated for 32 games.

He then sold motor oil and worked in the Phillies' sales office. Then-Phillies owner Robert Carpenter Jr. was a friend and helped finance his restaurant.

Mr. Messick was past president of the Media Youth Center and had coached the Rose Tree Colts football team. He enjoyed golf, road trips, and travel abroad.

In addition to his wife of 57 years and son, he is survived by another son, Kirk; a daughter, Kyle Morris; and seven grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Media Presbyterian Church, 30 E. Baltimore Ave., Media. Friends may call at 10 a.m at the church and from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home, 15 E. Fourth St., Media.