OBITUARY
Michael R. Costanzo
September 9, 1934 – March 8, 2021
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
Services
-
Visitation
Friday, March 12, 2021
-
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, March 13, 2021
-
Committal Service & Interment
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Memories
Michael R. Costanzo
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYDick & Sue Klages
March 12, 2021
Dear Virgie and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mike. He sure was a great guy and had a "special" way with others. We're thinking and praying for all of you at this hard time.
With blessings and courage,
Dick & Sue Klages
Virginia Suhr
March 12, 2021
I am saddened to learn of your loss. Three of my daughters can credit their beautiful smiles to Dr. Costanzo’s expertise. Always a pleasant, never dreaded, visit! I also had the pleasure of knowing Michelle as best friend of my daughter Susan. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Michele Misciagna
March 11, 2021
My Dad's love for Boz Scaggs...the way he said "time out " , "oh..I don't think so ", "excellent cuisine "!! He ate appalling food like Capisel, whole Branzino, Tripe He ate like he was going to the Electric Chair...he loved when we were all together❤❤😥❤❤
Tootsie and Paul Batastini
March 11, 2021
God Bless you Mike! You are in a beautiful place in heaven and we will certainly meet again in the future. We have wonderful memories of our 61 year friendship-too numerous to mention. How we cherish those days together, whether on the beach , visiting each others houses, cities in Europe and the USA, Tweed meetings and dinning with Virgie and you. Never will we forget the close bond knitted throughout these years. It was a brother/sister relationship which few people ever have the joy of knowing.
Love, kisses, and hugs to a wonderful human being whom we will miss so very much!
Paul and Tootsie Batastini
Jim Christian
March 11, 2021
Virgie and family, I am so sorry for this news. Michael was friendly and welcoming to me always. I will miss him.
All the best to you and your family and God’s blessings on his soul.
Jim Christian
Josie Letoile
March 11, 2021
Corinne and family,
So sorry for your loss. Undoubtedly your Dad made his mark in life and left behind many memories for all who were close by. Our Corinne is a dear friend.
Hugs,
Dan & Josie
Alan and Betty Novick
March 11, 2021
Dear Virgie, You (then and now) and Mike (was and now) always are/were the very best neighbors and friends to us in Jamaica Towers. We join in your sorrow and missing him. We hope to see you when we return to Naples.
Our very best wishes to you and the family,
Alan and Betty Novick
Diane De Santis
March 10, 2021
Uncle Mike you were a kind man with a bright smile.
You made the best gin and tonics too! Rest well Uncle Mike you deserve it!
Margot Adams-Webber
March 9, 2021
Dear Virgie,
We were so very sorry to learn of Mike's death. We send our deepest condolences to you and your family in you loss. Mike will be much missed at the Jamaica Towers.
Jack and Margot Adams-Webber
Trish and Jim Christian
March 9, 2021
Virgie and family,
I enjoyed serving on the Jamaica Towers Board with Michael. He had a great sense of humor and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
With deep sympathy,
Trish snd Jim
Debbie and Wayne Ambroze
March 9, 2021
Virgie and family, We were so sad to hear of Michael's passing. He was loved by so many, us included. I'll never forget the time at the annual Jamaica Towers meeting when Board nominations and votes were counted for the openings on the Board. Michael congratulated the new people and said something to the effect of missing the opportunity to work with them the following year. I leaned over and told him he was not one of the people rotating off. He looked at me in surprise and said "oh, no...how much longer do I have to serve?" It was one more year and I'm thankful I had the opportunity to work with him longer. Much love to you all