Obituaries

Connie Costantini, 98, passed away on May 26, 2008 at Alterra Sterling House in Ithaca. Connie was born and grew up in the Little Italy section of Manhattan. In 1932 she married Joseph Costantini and moved to Brooklyn where they raised their three children; Assunta (Richard) Kovalcik of Edison, NJ; Paul (Patricia) of Ithaca; and Joseph (Cheryl) of Mays Landing, NJ. Connie is survived by eight grandchildren; Rick (Susan) and Andrew (Allison) Kovalcik, Joseph (Lisa) & William (Carrie) Costantini & Christine (Joseph) Gazzillo, and Joseph ( Tara), Anthony & Maria Costantini and thirteen great-grandchildren; Kelly Sue, Christopher & Kyle Kovalcik, Paul & Richard Costantini, Zachary, Katherine & Genevieve Costantini, Joseph, Nicholas & Patrick Gazzillo and Gabriella & A.J. Costantini.

She is also survived by many nieces & nephews. Her husband Joe and grand-daughter Susan Kovalcik will greet her at St. Peter's gate along with many friends & family. Connie worked as a seamstress creating designed label blouses in Brooklyn and was a proud member of the International Lady Garment Workers Union. She was a creative cook and many of her favorite dishes are now served by her children and grandchildren. Any gathering around her dining room table was a celebration and Connie was happiest when surrounded by her family. She also loved to crochet and created many blankets for several charities in the Ithaca area. Connie will also be remembered for her devotion to her faith as a member of Holy Cross Church in Dryden, NY and for the miracles of her Prayers & Rosary.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and admiration for the staff at Alterra Sterling House. Your care and devotion to all the residents goes beyond 'just doing a job' and Connie loved 'you girls'.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY on May 31st followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery in Queens.

A memorial Mass is scheduled at Holy Cross in Dryden on June 29 at 8:30 a.m.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Tompkins County, 172 E King Road, Ithaca 14850 or Holy Cross Church, 375 George Road, Dryden, NY 13053. Local arrangements were completed by the Herson Funeral Home, Ithaca.