He was born Aug. 2, 1991 in Woodland Hills, Calif., the son of Charles Joseph and Kathy Lynn (Lazarowitz) Messmer. He attended schools in Santa Clarita Valley and Newbury Park, and was a recent graduate at Newbury Park High School (Class of 2010), where he was the starting goalie for the school hockey team all four years. In addition, he played for many travel hockey teams such as Channel Islands Riptides in Oxnard, and The Wolves, Bears, Express, Mariners, and Team One Hockey. He was active at school, attending important school events.
He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, and playing video games. He planned to attend college to pursue a career in music and theater, and to play hockey.
Ben is survived by his parents, Chuck and Kathy Messmer in Newbury Park; his sister, Cassandra, at home; his grandmother, Marie C. (DeArriba) Messmer, in St. Louis; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by many close friends at Newbury Park High School.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas L. Messmer, of St. Louis; and Bernie and Lois Jean Lazarowitz, of Mission Hills, Calif.
Services for Ben include visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 2, 2010 with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of the Hills, Conejo Mountain Funeral Home. The Celebration of the Mass will be 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, Newbury Park. The burial will follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo, Calif.
