Frank M. Costanza

Francis Michael Costanza was born on January 7, 1929 in Corona, New York, the youngest of five children, to Rose Puzino and Joseph Costanzo, Italian immigrants. He grew up singing in the church choir, roaming the streets of New York to collect bottles so he could see penny and nickel moving picture shows, and generally getting into mischief as young boys are wont to do.

He joined the Army at age 19 in 1948 and served in the military for 25 years, ultimately attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to retirement from military service. He also married Floster Pinson in June 1948 and had children Floster Michelle and Joseph Robert during the marriage. As anyone who knew him during this time can attest, Frank was stubborn and had a temper, which made him a difficult partner and parent. He eventually became estranged from his daughter and her children and family relationships remained strained in future years.

Following his retirement from the Army, he worked as a civilian for Hewlett Packard in supply and quality assurance until retiring. In 1979, he and Floster divorced and he subsequently married Mamie Ruth Gower later that year. They remained married until Mamie Ruth passed in June 2010 and enjoyed many happy years together. He was a devoted husband to her and deeply grieved her death.

Following his retirement from Hewlett Packard, he was an enthusiastic sports fan and devotedly followed the Rockies and Broncos every year. During his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, RV trips, reading murder mysteries, watching movies, and spending time with his family and friends. He was notorious for making friends everywhere he went, insisting on picking up the bill, spoiling his granddaughter Kathryn, and judging the lasagna at most of the Italian restaurants in northern Colorado Springs. In his final home at Brookside Inn, he made wonderful friends of both staff and residents. He joined the resident executive council to advise on matters impacting the residents, played Santa Claus, and became a coloring enthusiast.

He died peacefully at the age of 91 on November 18, 2020 shortly after contracting bacterial pneumonia following recovery from COVID-19. He is survived by his son, Joe, granddaughter Kathryn, favorite sister-in-law Mary Costanzo, niece Theresa Peace, stepson Richard Disque, and other grandchildren and great-grandchildren from whom he was estranged.

Frank was charming and charismatic, a career military veteran who served his country honorably and supported veteran causes in his retirement, a lasagna-maker extraordinaire, a cantankerous old Italian who could hold a grudge for eternity, and a kind and generous man to those he cared about. He could be stubborn, dramatic, and difficult. He could also be generous, gentle, and open-hearted. He will be missed.

Remembrance activities are being held virtually to ensure the health and safety of those who remain. In lieu of flowers or financial support, if you are so inclined and able, please make a memorial donation to Wounded Warriors in Frank’s memory or make a donation to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at the provided links. Both were causes near and dear to Frank during his life.

For donations to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

For donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html