Joseph Nick Costanzo

Joseph N. Costanzo, 92 years old of Huntington Beach, passed away on November 16, 2020 with his daughter and granddaughter at his side.

Joe was born on January 3, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa- the middle child of Tom and Maria Costanzo.  He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946, where he was known as the class cut-up and also for being a part of the school track team.  He met the love of his life while in Des Moines, Catherine Nicolino, and they married in 1949 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Joe and Katy moved to California in the early 1960’s, where they raised two children, Philip and Lisa.  Joe worked for many years for the Newport Mesa School District in maintenance, and he travelled from school to school fixing everything from boilers and heating systems to kitchen equipment, library shelves and P.E. lockers- you name it, he fixed it.  He made many friends over the years at every school he worked at, and ever the jokester, had a funny story or prank always at the ready.

In his later years after retirement, Joe took on his favorite job- that of Grandpa.  He was so proud of his two beautiful granddaughters, Catherine (Katie) and Sarah.  Although Katie moved away when she was little, he always looked forward to her visits, and loved taking her for ice cream.  Joe happily took on a more integral role in raising Sarah, and even joined the “after-school park moms” for their weekly trips to the park with the kids, and never forgot to bring cookies for a snack.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Maria Costanzo, his wife Catherine, his brothers Tom, Bill, and Angelo, and his sister Rose (Graziano).  He is survived by his son Philip, daughter Lisa, granddaughters Catherine (Toomey), and Sarah, Sisters-in-Law Anne and Marcella, and numerous nieces and nephews across the country.

A Rosary and Celebration of Life service will be held at Heritage Memorial Services of Huntington Beach on Monday, November 30, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10:00 am at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church of Huntington Beach, followed by burial at Good Shepherd Cemetery.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the love and support from family and friends during this difficult time. 

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