SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University and its athletic family mourn the passing of William M. "Doc" Messer, the father of Rock Head Baseball Coach Jeff Messer and the grandfather of former Rock baseball student athletes Matt and Billy Messer.

Doc fought the gallant fight but ultimately lost his battle with cancer Thursday afternoon at the age of 79.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday from the Roche Funeral Home in Lenox, Mass., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Ann's Church celebrated by the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, Pastor. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery. A visiting hour at the funeral home will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m..

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Doc's great-granddaughter, Hayleigh Porrini, to help in her battle with leukemia. Donations should be sent to Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.

Doc, a native of Pittsfield, Mass., was an avid fan of Rock athletics and the Boston Red Sox. He was a 1949 graduate of Lenox High School, a self-employed plumber for much of his life and also worked at General Electric Co. in Pittsfield prior to retiring to Florida several years ago. Following the death of his wife, the former Patricia Flynn, he moved to Slippery Rock.

In addition to his son, Doc was survived by two daughters, Sheila Porrini of Lee and Donna Maree of Pittsfield; one brother, Edward Messer of Pittsfield; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.