Joe Messinger
Khai Le
We’ve recently learned that Joe Messinger, veteran Los Angeles photographer, photo editor and stalwart of the PPAGLA for decades, passed away last year in Roseburg, Ore., at the age of 81. Formally known as Joseph Charles Messinger, Joe passed away on September 25, 2023, in Roseburg, Oregon, of natural causes. He was born on June 17, 1942, in Glendale, Calif., the son of Franklin Messinger and Donna Stephens.
“Joe was a devoted husband to Martha A. Sinkula, a loving grandfather figure to August, Leo, and Diane, and a father figure to Mike, Karin, and Rebecca. He cherished his family and always put their needs above his own. Joseph’s warm smile and kind heart touched the lives of many, and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Joe and his father, Franklin, shared a special bond while exploring their mutual passion for photography. Franklin’s guidance and expertise deepened Joe’s understanding of the craft, turning his hobby into a reward-winning career. ”
Before his retirement in Oregon, Joe spent a long journalistic career in Los Angeles, primarily as a photographer and later photo editor for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, then as a photography professor at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.
He was a member of the PPAGLA for decades, and his contributions to our organization are legendary. He was on the board from 1984 to 2003. He was president in 1986 and 1989. And he was a longtime contributor to the Past President and Retired Members Scholarship Fund since its 1992 inception.
But perhaps his greatest legacy with the PPAGLA was being the driving force behind a group titled the Media Access and Information Committee (MAIC).
Over months and years, Joe and others reached out to police and fire first responders and fellow journalists, to inform and clarify – to them and us – what are the proper standards for media access to newsworthy scenes. The resulting document, the Media Guidebook, remains a standard of news coverage in Southern California.
A celebration of life will be held on April 27th, 2024, at the Umpqua Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
Where: 2167 NW Watters, Roseburg OR 97471 When: 1:00 pm
Rest in peace, Joe. Your kindness, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
