Giuseppe Costantini

Giuseppe “Pep” Costantini, 95, of Rotterdam, New York, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Silvi Marina, Italy, Giuseppe was the son of Vincenzo and Assunta (Mille) Costantini and one of six siblings.

Growing up in Italy during World War II, Giuseppe learned the value of hard work at an early age, assisting his parents on the farm before and after school. He later served in the Italian army and started his journey to become a Master Mason.

In January 1960, he married the love of his life, Carmela; they remained devoted to one another for 66 years. After welcoming their first child, Roberto, in 1965, the couple emigrated to America in 1968. Despite knowing little English and having limited means, they sought a better life and the American dream. Their family grew to include two more children, Milena and Damiano, born in 1969 and 1971.

Giuseppe was an avid trout fisherman and rabbit hunter. He could always be found tending to his garden after a hard day's work. He loved to just sit beneath his grapevine, completing crossword puzzles or reading the Italian newspaper. Friends and family loved his homemade wine and his famous porchetta.

A man of deep faith and the patriarch of his family, Giuseppe was a natural teacher. He took great joy in sharing his knowledge, whether instructing others on the art of masonry, teaching his grandchildren to tend the garden, or passing down his secrets for making wine and his renowned homemade sausage. He was always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor or family member with home improvements.

Giuseppe lived a simple but full life and will be deeply missed.

He was predeceased by his parents, Vincenzo and Assunta Costantini; his siblings, Carmela (Alfredo), Massimo (Antonietta), Cesare (Lucia), and Concetta (Armondo); his son, Roberto; and his granddaughter, Ariel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carmela; his brother, Leone (Adriana); his children, Milena and Damiano; his grandchildren, Katrina, Joseph, Vittoria, Joshua, Luciano, and Isabella; and his great-grandchildren, Koen, Kora, and Nia Rae.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, April 14th, from 9:00 to 10:15 AM at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 210 Princetown Rd., Rotterdam.

Burial will be private.