Harvey Lee Massey

Harvey L. Massey, retired Chairman and CEO of Massey Services, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 24th at the age of 81. Harvey L. Massey was born in the small town of Melville, Louisiana, a grandson of Italian immigrants and Missouri farmers. At the age of 18 he joined the U.S. Army Security where he served for three years before he was honorably discharged. While serving his country, Harvey met the love of his life, Carol Nisula, and they married on August 24, 1963. Harvey Massey worked for Orkin and Terminix, two of the largest companies in the pest management industry, for over 22 years. In 1985, with two kids in college and one entering high school, he put everything at risk, moved to Orlando from Memphis and bought a stagnant 50-year old pest and termite company for $3.9 million. Under his leadership, the company, Massey Services, has grown to a $350 million business. Harvey was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a rancher. He was an accomplished musician and could break into a song at the slightest provocation. His larger-than-life presence lit up the room and it’s been said “he never met a stranger.” When asked how he was on any given day, he always responded, “on a scale of 1-10, I’m an 11.” He believed his faith was his compass that provided him with the right direction and often said “the three most important things in his life were family, faith, and vocation.” Not surprisingly, his favorite saying was, “Blessed are those who can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” Harvey was an acknowledged leader in the pest management industry and in the community. He served on the Board of Directors of the National Pest Management Association and was the first Chairman of the Professional Pest Management Alliance. In 2018, he was awarded the Pinnacle Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry. He also gave tirelessly of his time and expertise in the community and had served on many boards including Board of Governors for Stetson University, Board of Directors of Pontifical Irish College of Rome, Italy, Board Chairman of Rollins College Center for the Advanced Entrepreneurship Program, Board of Directors for Florida Citrus Sports, Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Florida, and Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, to name a few. In recognition for his outstanding contributions, Harvey received countless awards included Mennello Museum’s Distinguished service award, Laureate in Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, Orlando’s Most Influential Citizen, Economic Development Commission’s James B. Greene award, the H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2016 he received the prestigious Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans Award in Washington D.C. An unwavering philanthropist, Harvey, along with his wife Carol, formed the Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation to solidify their commitment of being contributing members of the Central Florida community. The foundation has made major contributions to the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, the Nemours Children’s Hospital for early childhood autism research, Central Florida Veterans Memorial, a music room for Rollins College and the American Heart Association. Harvey leaves a legacy of service, care, and accomplishments. He was a man known for his thoughtful leadership, drive, and compassion. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all and a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Massey; their three children: Angela Rignanese (husband Shane), Tony Massey (wife Jann) and Andrea Massey-Farrell (husband James); their ten grandchildren (Kallie, Sean, Ashley, Ryan, Colin, Bryan, Jackson, Aidan, Ethan, and Edward). Funeral services will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park on Saturday, January 28th at 10:00 a.m. where Harvey’s life and generosity will be celebrated. Live Stream : https://stmargaretmary.org/funeral-mass-livestream/

Harvey Lee Massey

December 28, 1941 - January 24, 2023