Anthony John Costanzo

Anthony John Costanzo passed away at the age of 87 on December 20, 2014 in El Paso, Texas. Anthony was born on May 15, 1927 to parents Raphael and Josephine Costanzo in Pittston, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Buffalo, New York with his siblings Bob, John, Jack, James, and Connie. He married Greta Ito in Yokohama, Japan on February 9, 1951 and enjoyed 63 years of marriage with the love of his life. Anthony was drafted in 1945 on his 18th birthday and became dedicated to the U.S. Army Air Defense for twenty-four and a half years. He served tours in Japan, Germany and Vietnam. He then worked in Federal Civil Service for twelve years. He earned his Bachelors of Business Administration and Masters in Education in Counseling at the University of Texas at El Paso. He was a lifelong, passionate supporter of Catholic charities, education and the Italian-American club. Outside of his religion and family he had a strong interest in languages, as he learned Latin, Italian and Japanese. Anthony is survived by his sister Connie Battiato, his wife Greta, six daughters: Josephine Parris, Antoinette O’Leary (Joe), Teresa McAlister, Christina McDaniel (Arthur), MaryAnn Thompson (Patrick), and Angelina Nobles (Michael), and two sons Ralph Costanzo (Gayle) and Nicholas Costanzo (Martha). He was also blessed with twenty-eight grandchildren: Angelina, Kenneth, Caroline, John, Bruce, Irene, Joseph, Timothy, Christopher, Celina, Anthony, Robert, Cory, Adria, Tiana, Chiara, Kimberly, Jennifer, Patrick, Margaret, Anthony, James, Catherine, David, Mark, Sam, Amanda, and Danielle; and thirty great-grandchildren. Anthony was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and beloved friend. He left a legacy of love, work ethic and leadership for his family, friends and religion. He was a selfless and caring man who will be remembered forever by the lives of those he touched. Before every meal Anthony would say “Deo Gratias,” and now we say, “Thanks be to God” for blessing us with a beautiful soul to know and love. The Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, with the Rosary beginning at 6:00pm on Monday, December 29th at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. The Funeral Mass will be at 9:30am on Tuesday, December 30th, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 10000 Pheasant Road with interment following at 11:00am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast.