William Joseph Constantine

William Joseph Constantine, age 75, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully at Hospice House surrounded by loved ones on April 16, 2016. Bill was born in Youngstown, OH to Joseph and Bertha (Theodore) Constantine. He graduated from East High School in 1959 and went on to earn his B.S.in Business Management from University of South Florida. Bill and family relocated to Florida from Bowling Green, OH in 1982 when he accepted the position as Director of Food and Nutritional Services at Lee Memorial Hospital. Bill participated as the civilian food service evaluator for the Army's Philip A. Connelly Award and the Navy's Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, car shows and most importantly spending time with family. Bill's generous and caring spirit was evident as he lived with Parkinson's Disease since 1991. He was determined and persevered through health challenges in the hope that he would make a difference in the fight to eradicate this disease. Preceding him in death are his parents, his father-in-law and several of his very close cousins that shared his strong Italian family upbringing.

Bill was a devoted husband, doting father and "Papa" to his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Mary Katherine (Wilster) Constantine, son Bill (Kerry) Constantine of Ft Myers, daughters Carla Smith of Clearwater, Amy (Brock) Cunningham of Woodbridge VA, and Ann (Matt) Stoy of Gainesville, Fl. He also leaves his sister Jacqueline Case of New Bern, NC and the loves of his life his grandchildren; Christopher Smith, Will and Jack Constantine, Remy and Liam Cunningham, Katherine, Matty and Annabelle Stoy, along with many loved sisters and brothers in law and the many nieces and nephews that shared good times with the infamous "Uncle Bill" and the many friends he has made along his journey.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m.followed by Memorial Mass at 11:00 at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Ln, Ft. Myers, FL 33912. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William Constantine's memory to the UF Center for Movement Disorders & Neurorestoration, PO 100243, Gainesville, FL 32610 (include William's name on memo line) or locally to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, 3760 Fowler St., Ft. Myers, FL 33901.

Published in The News-Press from Apr. 22 to Apr. 24, 2016

Arrangements under the direction of HODGES-KISER FUNERAL HOME, Fort Myers, FL.