Decebal D. Constandis, MD

January 1, 1938 – October 7, 2025

Dr. Decebal D. Constandis of Palm Coast, FL, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on January 1, 1938 in Grozești-Oituz, Romania, he lived a remarkable life defined by resilience, dedication, and service to others. Dr. Constandis graduated from secondary school in Brasov and continued onto medical school at the Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy of Cluj, Romania graduating in 1960 with a degree in General Medicine. After graduation, he became a countryside doctor and worked in a hospital in Bucharest. In 1968, he bravely escaped communist Romania to seek freedom and opportunity in the United States. First he gained political asylum in Paris, France, where he continued his medical training as a resident in general and cardiovascular surgery. Following his dream to live in the United States, Dr. Constandis immigrated to New York City in 1971 determined to rebuild his life and career. He completed his surgical residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and St. Clare’s Hospital (1971–1975), followed by a fellowship in gastrointestinal endoscopy at Beth Israel Medical Center (1977–1978). He settled in Westfield, NJ with his wife in 1976, opened a General Surgery private practice in Avenel, NJ, and went onto become a highly-respected figure in the medical community. Dr. Constandis had surgical privileges at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ where he served as Chairman of the Department of Surgery from 1995 to 1998 and again from 2002 to 2004. In 1999, he was elected President of the Union County Medical Society, a testament to his leadership and dedication to patient care. He also had surgical privileges at Rahway Hospital (now part of the Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health System) and at several other area hospitals. After moving to Florida in 2012, Dr. Constandis volunteered at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona. Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Constandis was a man of many passions. In his youth, he was a talented athlete, competing in boxing and track and field. He remained dedicated to physical fitness throughout his life, enjoying skiing and going to the gym. He also took great pride in vegetable gardening and making wine with his Portuguese friends in Newark, NJ. He had a deep appreciation for classical and jazz music and was known as a wonderful dancer with his wife. A lifelong lover of literature and Latin quotations, he cultivated a rich intellectual life alongside his professional one. Dr. Constandis will be remembered for his courage, kindness, intellect, and unwavering commitment to his family, patients, and community. Dr. Constandis is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Michelle, and his three daughters: Nicole (Eamon) Twohig of VT, Danielle Constandis of NJ, and Andrea Constandis of FL. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Marina and Julien Twohig; and his brother, Dr. C. George Constandis. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. Family and friends will be received Sunday from 5:00 - 7:30 PM at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South in Flagler Beach. A Funeral Mass will be will be held at St. Anne Romanian Orthodox Church, 1875 Live Oak Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246, on Monday October 13, 2025, at11:00 am. Interment will follow at Flagler Memorial Gardens in Flagler Beach.