In
Loving Memory...
Frank Lanza
A
Champion's Champion
Four Statesmen
Geo. Baggish Memorial Quartet
When
someone asks you "What
is barbershopping?" tell them about Frank Lanza. That will say
it all. If you were not fortunate enough to know him, I hope you will
take time to read the tributes that undoubtedly will appear in the
coming days. Otherwise, you may never know our hobby's full meaning
either."
Bob Morrissey
"I
presented the AISQC plaque to Frank at his gathering last week. He
was thrilled. I also read the (very cleverly written) proclamation
which was enjoyed by everyone as well as Frank. He was very proud
of his AISQC affiliation. I told the assemblage (some non barbershoppers)
a little about the organization and Frank's involvement. He was more
than pleased. I consisered him my best friend for over fifty years
and it's a terrible loss personally. He was something special."
Doc Sause
As
saddened as I am today, knowing Frank is now free from pain and ringing
chords with the likes of Lou Perry, Earl Moon, Dave Stevens, Dr. Bob
Johnson, Mac Huff, Bill Cain, Val Hicks, Rob Henry, and Mo Rector
- how could we not be happy for him?
Leo Larivee
Mr.Barbershopper
was also Mr. Messenger
Forty years ago, Frank Lanza, President and founder of Mr. Messenger,
was working in the circulation department of a large Connecticut daily
newspaper. Part of his duties included the responsibility for a fleet
of 80 newspaper delivery trucks.
He liked his work, but always had an entrepreneurial bent, so at the
age of 27, much against the advice of fellow newspaper executives,
he bit the bullet and left for his hometown of Providence, RI, to
start up a messenger/courier service. With the help of his brother,
who had been recently discharged from the service, and two fairly
new station wagons, Mr. Messenger was off and running.
The first year, the company concentrated on delivery of mail between
U.S. Post Offices and commercial and industrial firms. As a result
of this association with the Post Office Department, Mr. Messenger
was awarded several Post Office contracts for the transportation of
mail between Post Offices (Star Routes).
Next, Mr. Messenger organized a network of routes in southern New
England to transport optical, dental and film to and from laboratories
and clients. A survey in 1961 by the company indicated that there
was a need for next day parcel deliveries, and this opened up additional
routes covering Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
United Parcel Service did not arrive in the area until the mid 70's.
With the advent of wide body airplanes carrying an increasing amount
of freight, it was a natural move for Mr. Messenger to jump into the
pick up and delivery of air freight. Today, the company is the official
freight agent for all the airlines serving both the Providence and
Boston airports.
In addition to the distribution systems listed above, Mr. Messenger
maintains a round-the-clock, immediate, expedited messenger service
for the shipping public. It is not unusual for Mr. Messenger to transport
highly critical parts, whether it be a small parcel or a large container,
to any point in the country.
Today, Mr. Messenger operates a well-maintained fleet of vehicles
equipped with highly sophisticated communications systems and uniformed
drivers. The company is the recognized leading messenger/courier service
in southern New England.
Frank's
Proclaimation
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