Dr. Michael R. Costanzo passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on the morning of Monday, March 8, 2021, at age 86 in his home in Port Jefferson NY. A loving husband, father and Papa, Michael was born on September 9, 1934 in The Bronx NY to Joseph Costanzo and Mildred (Laguisa) Alvino.
After graduating with honors from Colgate University in 1956, Mike received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Columbia University, specializing in Orthodontics, before serving in the U.S Navy Dental Corps at Camp Lejeune. He met his loving wife of 63 years, Virgilia “Virgie” (DeSantis), when he was 18 and they were married on December 28, 1958. They raised their four children – Michele, Corinne, Ronald, and Andrea – in Stony Brook, NY.
Mike had a passion for golf and a penchant for skiing, but his life’s work was spent correcting and beautifying the teeth of over 17,000 loyal patients as an Orthodontist in his private practice until his mid-70’s. He was an active member and instructor with the Tweed Foundation for Orthodontic Research and Education and President of The Angle Society of Orthodontists. He was a lifetime Rotarian and served as a Past President of Rotary International in Stony Brook, where he loved to volunteer his time for community groups and activities..
He loved laughing, never complained and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and family, both on Long Island and on the beach in Naples, FL. He liked his vodka neat, his sfogliatelle crunchy and his recliner chair in a sun beam where he absolutely never napped – he was only ever “resting his eyes”.
Mike was known for his infectious charm and never seemed to meet a stranger. His kind and compassionate spirit will be carried on by his wife, Virgie, his 4 children and their loving spouses/partners, 5 grandchildren, brothers Conrad and James, brother-in-law Eugene DeSantis and friends and family too numerous to list but too loved to ever be forgotten. He is reunited with his parents and has surely already signed up for a tee time on a heavenly golf course.
Although the family of Dr. Costanzo appreciates your support, due to Covid restrictions and concerns, please know your thoughts/prayers/calls are presence enough. If you would like to attend in person, please wear a mask, keep your hands washed/sanitized, and respect others’ space.
Visitation will be Friday March 12, 2021 at O.B. Davis Funeral Home (4839 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776) from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Funeral service will be held on Saturday March 13, 2021 at Infant Jesus Chapel (200 Belle Terre Rd, Port Jefferson, NY 11777) at 10:00am, followed by a private burial. There will be no further reception.
Donations can be made in Mike’s name to Colgate University, The Parkinson’s Foundation, Rotary Club, or the Tweed Foundation.
Donations in Michael's memory may be made to Colgate University, The Michael Costanzo ‘56 Memorial Fund, Gift Records, PO Box 313, Canajoharie, NY 13317-0313
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