He was born on September 25, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York to Ralph and Caroline DeCostanzo. Don graduated from Herran High School in June of 1961 and began serving in The United States Army apart of the Infantry Division, in Fort Dix, New Jersey as a Private E1 and went on graduating from bootcamp on August 27, 1965. He began his venture in the military in June of 1965 and served overseas in Europe until he was Honorably discharged as a SP4 on June 28, 1971. He was a bartender for most of his working career.
He married the love of his life, Brigitte Winklbauer. They lived together almost inseparable for over 51 years. They raised two beautiful daughters - Deanna and Danielle in Las Vegas, Nevada just shy of 40 years. They enjoyed travelling to Sedona, Arizona, attending jazz concerts and spending time with family and friends. He was extremely proud when his youngest daughter Danielle graduated from Northern Arizona University, she was the first family member to receive a degree.
He was also a proud grandfather and loved spending time with his grandchildren. His grandchildren each had special names for him - Tyler called him by Frampa, Jace by Grandpa De, and Cierra by Frampie. He loved spending time with all three grandchild by telling old stories of his neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, Army stories about his buddies, his love of Italian food. As well as including any food from New York such as Nathan's Hot Dogs, Zabar's Potato Knish with mustard, Mister Softee's soft serve ice cream from the ice cream truck, Devil Dogs, and Coffee Cakes. Every Christmas he loved a box of chocolate covered cherries. He loved everything about back east but especially the food. Juniors cheesecakes and Manhattan special drinks. He looked forward to the Italian American Festival in Las Vegas because he felt at home surrounded by the traditional food, music, family and friends.
Don had a love for old movies - mostly crime stories and old westerns. His favorite TV-show was Rockford Files. Don loved to collect metal military figurines. He has an extensive music/movie collection. Where he enjoyed using his over sized headphones to listen to any and everything.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Brigitte DeCostanzo, his children Danielle Jamine DeCostanzo, Deanna Marie Turner (Todd), his grandchildren Tyler Stewart Turner, Jace Daulton Turner, Cierra Marie Turner, his brother Frank DeCostanzo (Linda), his sister Annette Cisternino (Angelo), nieces Dr. Denise DeCostanzo and Family and Donna DeCostanzo and Family, niece Caroline Hart (Thomas) and Family, nephews Michael Cisternino (Christine) and Family, and Andrew Cisternino.
Don was predeceased by his mother Caroline Franco DeCostanzo, Father Ralph DeCostanzo, and nephew Dr. Frank Marzocca.
Burial Service will be at The Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. *PROMPTLY*.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. at his home.
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