Frank Costanzo

SCHENECTADY – Frank Costanzo, 91, passed away Tuesday February 7, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Strong St. in Schenectady, the son of the late Corrado and Rosina (Ingrassia) Costanzo. As a young boy during the Depression, Frank earned money selling newspapers and shining shoes in downtown Schenectady and tending a soda fountain in Lotano’s Pharmacy. Frank served his country honorably and with great pride in the U. S. Army during World War II, in Europe and the Pacific, as a combat engineer. He graduated from Schenectady Vocational High School. Frank worked for the General Electric Co. at both the main plant and Research and Development Center for 38 years. At GE, he was also a loan officer at the GOAL credit union, a union steward, and strong union supporter. He coached and managed the Schenectady Babe Ruth and also bowled in several area leagues. He was well known for growing abundant vegetable gardens every year. He enjoyed watching softball games at Sportsman’s Field and watching the world wrestling federation matches on TV. He loved coffee and long walks around the city for exercise. He had deep faith in God and prayed every day. He was a devoted family man and enjoyed daytrips, especially picnics at state parks with extended family members when his children were young. During retirement, he and his wife enjoyed travel to many beaches and a few special cruises. He was always anticipating the needs of others, and did whatever he could to help those in need. Frank is survived by the love of his life, Theresa (Cardinal) Costanzo, his wife of 65 years, who he met by chance at Brooks Delicatessen in Schenectady. He is also survived by his children, Rosalyn (James) Shaughnessy of Guilderland, Cory (Susan) Costanzo of Niskayuna, Susan (Eric) Yager of Burnt Hills, and Sandra (Thomas) Thorne of Niskayuna; grandchildren, Jennifer Shaughnessy, James Shaughnessy III, Carrie Costanzo, James (Deanna) Hannigan, Jaclyn (Patrick) Smith, Shelby Horn and Bryan Horn; great grandchildren, Kaliegh, Jack, Patrick, Jillian, Abbie, Giada and Francesco; and step-grandchildren, Kimberly, Matthew, Kristopher, Thomas and Logan. Frank is also survived by his sisters, Helen (Anthony) DiFulvio of Rotterdam and Teresa (the late Edwin) Ullman of Schenectady. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Frank was predeceased by his infant brother, Mario, and sisters, Antoinette (James) Riggi and Mary (Joseph) Collamer. He was also predeceased by his “Goombah” (cumpari), Emilio “Billy” Venditti, who was his best friend since childhood and like a brother. Calling hours will be held Sunday, February 12 from 3-6 pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Funeral services will begin at 10:15 am Monday, February 13, at the funeral home followed by an 11 am Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1255 Pleasant St., Schenectady. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 100 Kings Road at Albany St., Schenectady. The family kindly suggests that those who wish may send memorial contributions in Frank’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York Chapter, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205, or the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.