Tributes

Joseph George Costanzo died as the sun rose on morning of Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Grand Strand Hospital in Myrtle Beach, SC. His passage was eased by the presence of his devoted wife of 52 years, Robin Reese Costanzo. Joe will be remembered as a kind and generous friend. He had an exuberant personality, always ready with a joke. No one met Joe that wasn’t immediately a friend, and no one remained a stranger for long when they met him. But he also quietly helped people, and his gift was listening to their stories and getting to know them. Joe was born on August 16, 1948, in St. Mary’s, PA, and grew up in western PA. He was the son of Frank Angelo Costanzo and Kathleen (Stuedler) Costanzo. He was the eldest of 5 siblings, and is survived by his 4 sisters: Kathleen Pitzer (Bud), Rosaleen Bierwagen (Hans), Valerie Lepko (Benjamin), and Amy Costanzo Kline, and by his dear sister-in-law Elizabeth Nixon (Scott). Joe graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1970 and then served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. After his wedding to Robin, they raised 2 children, Joseph Charles Costanzo and Wendy Robin Costanzo. After a successful career in financial services, he retired to Surfside Beach, SC, where he joined the Sons of Italy and the Knights of Columbus. He loved bowling, golf, and sailing on his boat, the Grand Pacific. He also volunteered in Horry County special education classes with both patience and kindness. Joe loved his dogs, and his cats a little bit too. He volunteered at the Grand Strand Humane Society and the Grateful Golden Retrievers. He enjoyed transporting rescued birds for the Birds of Prey in Awendaw, SC, especially the noisy baby owls. Being a sponsor for Unbound children’s foundation was important to Joe. He has put 4 sponsored children through college so far, in countries all over the world. One child in India (computer technology), one in Bolivia (chef), one in Costa Rica (computer technician) and one in Peru (environmental engineer). His legacy continues with his sponsored children in Uganda and Kenya (both intend to be nurses). A most cherished experience of his was a mission trip to Costa Rica to meet one of his sponsored kids. In addition to his sponsoring and charity, he was a dedicated parishioner at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Garden City, SC. He also lived his faith on pilgrimages with his wife Robin to Italy, Portugal, France, and Israel. Joe was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and his family was dearest to his heart. His life revolved around his wife Robin, his daughter Wendy, his son Joe, his daughter-in-law Theresa, and his grandsons Alex and Ethan. Joe was preceded in death by his loving daughter Wendy, who has been waiting in heaven for him. He will be greatly missed by his family and his friends, but will stay in our hearts forever. There will be a 10am memorial mass on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Garden City, SC. In lieu of flowers, he would so greatly appreciate donations to the Grand Strand Humane Society, 3231 Mr. Joe White Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Tributes

Joseph George Costanzo

August 16, 1948 - August 13, 2022