Joseph Costantino husband, father, grandfather, philosopher, comedian, chef, fisherman, confident, 3 stooges aficionado and spare time physicist died with his adoring family by his side on March 8th 2021 after a short and fierce battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born December 14th, 1948 in Grimaldi, Southern Italy, Joe's humble beginnings as the oldest son of Italian immigrants would belie a fantastic, passionate and inspiring life journey. Standing only 5ft7 Joe was nonetheless a giant of a man, who could light up a room full of friends, family, colleagues or politicians with his quick wit, self deprecating charm and razor sharp intellect.
After graduating from BCIT in 1969 Joe married the love of his life, his rock, his anchor and his best friend Judy Neil in 1971 and started on a adventure that took them from Ocean Falls to Powell River, New Brunswick, Ontario, Vancouver, Port Alberni, Edmonton and finally to the Comox Valley in retirement.
Joe's career in the pulp and paper industry wound through mills and boardrooms across the nation where he met, collaborated with and managed a vast number of people. His work career culminated with a Senior Vice Presidency at Millar Western Pulp and Paper in Edmonton where he worked with his comrades in arms, Mac, Craig, Ron and Peter building a company that they all were extremely proud of.
His thirst for knowledge was boundless, in retirement he was not satisfied with simply "hanging it up" so he pursued further university studies in applied physics and 1st/2nd/3rd year Spanish. A voracious consumer of information, Joe was as well suited to careers in applied mathematics or physics as he was to his chosen profession.
Work accolades were always secondary to Joe for he was first and foremost a family man. The depth of love he had for his amazing wife of 49 years and his sons knew no bounds, he adored them all. A hug, a chat, a life lesson, piece of advice or a plate of pasta were always at the ready when you visited Joe who was as generous with his time as he was with the wisdom he would impart on you.
You always left a conversation with Joe feeling empowered, such was his incredible way to elevate you and make you feel that you were the most important person at that moment.
Joe is survived by his best friend in the world, his partner and confident Judy, his sons Derek (Carmen), David (Roxanne), Dominic (Renee), his brother Mario (Michelle), his sister Mary and his beloved grandchildren, Nicolas and Marcus. He is predeceased by his parents Onorina and Ernesto Costantino and his infant son Craig.
Ciao papa, we love you and are so proud of you. You were a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and you had 72 brilliant spins around the sun.
Till we see you again.
Riposa in pace (Rest in Peace)
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society
Condolences may be offered at www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca
Telford Funeral Services