My kids and  I met Norman at the US CHess Center when my two sons started to show an interest in chess.  He was engaging and larger than life. My kids enjoyed playing him and learning from him and I enjoyed listening to him recount his past mischief and his current views on politics.  Norman was as sensitive and caring as he was boisterous, and he always made us feel welcome.   He was also filled with information in a way most people aren't.  Any time we were at the chess center, we could count on Norman to school us on some bit of history that tied into current events.  I looked forward to listening to him go on (and on, and on).   I texted Norman about rock concerts and bands he liked, which was another fun side to him.  He didn't hesitate to recount past belligerent behavior at concerts.  He also talked about his twin grandkids with lots of love. 
He will, of course, be missed.

You were my first coach, the first person to tell me good job and the first person to always tell me how proud of me you were.  Thank you for teaching me how to be so kind, gentle and generous.  I will always be your Big Guy.

After Mass today, I learned of the passing of my old friend Norm. I wanted to send my condolences to his family.
Met Norm in our first year at Canisius High School in 1964. Norm was three weeks older than me, a fact we often talked about. Played baseball together and shared many classes. Lots of good times, memories and laughs over those four years, along with many classmates.
Fortunately, we had some telephone conversations a few years ago, including one on his radio program.
Norm was a great guy, fun to be around and a typical Buffalo son;
salt of the earth, honest, loyal and smart, no-nonsense and what you see is what you get guy. We survived the Jesuits together. I regret we didn't stay in closer contact.
I'm sure Norm has now re-connected with some of other classmates who passed before Norm, including Tim Russert.
I will keep my friend Norm in my prayers and look forward to seeing him again.
To his family, I remind them of one of the lessons the Jesuits taught us: Live has changed, not ended. I'm sorry for your great loss.  Rest easy Norm. Until we meet again.
sam iraci, CHS class of '68. A.M.D.G.

Gone but not forgotten Norm. "Stormin' Norman" was a long time friend and fellow teacher who I first met as a rival chess coach in 1979. Later I worked with him at the Newport School and he made every day there pleasurable and sometimes crazy. As these many messages show "C" was a beloved teacher and mentor. I'm glad he and I reconnected this past year or so. I will miss him.

It is too soon for me to offer any deep reflection on my own Norman Constantine Experience.  He was my colleague at St Albans for several years and a regular visitor to the school thereafter.  He was definitely a unique personality, a true “character,” with many of the qualities that make for the most prized and memorable teachers.  Norm took some pride, I think, in his idiosyncrasies and was always ready (and eager!) for a friendly discussion/argument on any topic.  "Mr. C's" classroom was a mirror of his multifarious interests and traits, from computers and cyber-gadgets to SMART boards to chess boards and soccer balls.  Indeed, I recall an arcade-like atmosphere where instruction, advice, and free-flowing recreation provided an oasis for his appreciative students.  Norm Constantine will always have a place in my grateful St Albans recollections.  He and his Socratean approach, ever probing and sometimes impish, will be missed, yet his legacy will continue to abide in the many memories and anecdotes of those fortunate to have known Norm.  Requiescas in pacem.  May God comfort your beloved family and friends at this sad time.

God Bless Norman and the entire Constantine family at this time of sorrow.  The family is inour daily prayers.  I coached with Norm indoor soccer and he coached our son and daughters soccer and baseball teams.  He always was full of energy and a very respectiful person.  God Speed to a better place that we all hope to get to one day.

God Bless
Tha Hammond Family (Mike and Cathy)

Having a huge plate of spaghetti and meatballs tonight in memory of cousin Norman

I knew Norman as a colleague at St. Albans School and for long after.  Norm had the biggest heart of anyone I ever knew.  He liked people, he loved children, he was generous, he was loyal, he was exuberant, he opened himself to others without stint and treasured friendship, he returned good for evil, he relished spontaneity.  He was instinctually disorganized because his other qualities came from that.    In all of this, and more, he was quintessentially American.  Arthur Miller, the playwright, would have understood Norm -- indeed, Miller's most famous line can serve as Norman's epitaph: Attention must be paid.

Thinking of you all. Mr C was a great man, one of the best teachers I ever had, from soccer to chess to softball to AP History. His passion, warmth and love for life will always be an inspiration.

Norm was a devoted husband, father, brother and uncle …. a truly family centric man. We have been blessed to have him as part of our family for so many years. His memory and wonderful stories of his impact on our lives will keep him forever in our hearts.  
Rest In Peace, Norm.

Thanks Mr. C, 
You were always so generous with your time.   Thanks for hooking it up with the class schedule and being a friend during my time at St. Albans.  You were a real one and I’ll miss you.  
-Bubba

To Norm's family... I didn't know Norm well, but Dave and I have been best friends since we met at St. Joe's in 1968. Dave and I got around town a lot during high school when Dave borrowed Norm's Plymouth Valiant and, later, his Datsun -- which we took on a trip to NYC in 1972. My brother and Norm were the same age, so Dave and I shared a lot of stories about that brotherly relationship, and how it changed in so many ways over the years. I was fortuate enough to see Norm again (and meet Carol) when they were in Buffalo last June. I spent lots of time at 64 Kermit when I was in high school, and I'll always remember what a welcoming family the Constantines have always been. I'm very sorry for your loss: Norm will always be a part of my memories, so I can only imagine how much he wil live in yours. Thoughts and prayers are with you for peace and comfort.
Steve Jakiel
Buffalo NY

My dear brother-how I wish you could see your tributes. Perhaps you have.....thank you making a difference . You will be missed.       Dave

My deepest condolences. He really was a living legend. I didn’t see him often, but  I’ll miss him.
Love,
His cousin Natalie

Mr. C./Coach: Though our years together at Newport Prep took place decades ago, the positive impact that those times have had on my life remains to this day. I cherish the hours we used to spend dissecting soccer strategies and which national soccer team was the best (Italia for you, of course), especially when I should have been studying computer science! You were a fantastic teacher as well as a selfless mentor. But you also were a kind friend to me and to so many others. You taught me the importance of passion, patience, and persistence--not just in words, but in deeds. You helped instill in me the courage to go confidently in the direction of my dreams. I am thankful for our time together, and I will carry the memory of your spirit for the rest of my days.

I was lucky enough to be a student at St. Albans when Mr C was teaching there, and even luckier to be able to develop a friendship with him that stretched beyond either of our years at the school. When I graduated from St. Albans he gifted me a book of poetry by WB Yeats, a book I still cherish 20 years later and it is a quotation from Yeats that I think best sums up what Mr C meant to the students: "education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire". Norm was the spark for so many; he knew how to inspire. He knew the value of learning and the poetry in the pursuit of it. And he stoked those flames. I am sure I'm not the only one whose flame and fire for learning and improving is still burning to this day thanks to him. He will be missed.

Mr. C. played a significant role in my childhood during my time at The Newport School. He wasn't just a teacher; he was a mentor who introduced me to chess, computers, and even coached our high school soccer team. His passionate approach to teaching and leadership left a lasting impression on me and my classmates. It's heartbreaking to hear of his passing, but I'll forever treasure the memories and lessons he imparted during those crucial formative years.

I am so saddened to hear about the passing of dear Mr. Constantine. I was a middle school student of Mr. Constantine’s in both English and Computer Science in the early 1980s at Town & Country Day School. He was without question, my all-time favorite teacher. He saw things in me that I did not yet see in myself. Mr. Constantine was a very kind and perceptive teacher  His love for the written word was infectious. I will never forget his animated exuberant renditions of Moby Dick during class. They will forever be indelibly etched out in my mind’s  eye. I extend my truly heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Constantine family at the loss of their dear husband, father and grandfather. May his memory always be a comfort to all.

Dear Carol, Greg, and girls I’m so very sorry for your loss. Norm was a character and I’m grateful I got to know him. I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Best P-3 NFO, out there!

Norm was full of life. He taught me how to play chess. He introduced me to the zoo bar. He was a dear friend me to when I needed one. In our conversations, he'd told me how he'd like to be remembered after we all passed away. I vividly remember him saying- "all I want my headstone to say was that 'He was kind.'" Each and every day I spent with him, he truly lived up to his standard. He was kind to everyone that came across his path. He was kind to me, and that is how I will remember him by.

Norm and I met when we both taught at Wakefield School. We remained close friends ever since, and talked almost every day, where we would debate and argue about everything under the sun. Norm loved to argue, about politics, American History, philosophy, and, of course, football, which he kept saying he had given up! I will miss him terribly, as our conversations were the high point of my days, and I offer my condolences to your family in your hour of sorrow. Goodbye, Normie. We’ll all miss ya!

To the Constantine family,
I'm so very sorry for you loss. I went all through grammar school with him. They lived one street before ours in the city. His parents and my parents were best friends and God parents to my brother Nick and mine to his brother Dave. So many memories. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. May God our Father  give you the strength and courage as you go through this sad journey.

Blessings,

Maggie Pinto Helinski

Greg & Family,

Sending all my love and prayers during this difficult time. Norm was a legend and gone too soon. I heard many wonderful stories through Bello.
Love,
Murley

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Norman James Constantine, Jr.

20 septembre 1950 – 17 mai 2024

Robert E. Evans Funeral Home

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