Tuesday, September 24, 2024

RIP Uncle Dan

 


Mike’s uncle Dan Costanzo passed away on September 24. He was the last surviving sibling of Mike’s mom Lucy. We often called Uncle
Dan and his wife aunt Lee on the phone. Mike liked sharing pictures of our prolific fig tree because uncle Dan loved figs. We wished that we could have been part of the big family reunion to celebrate his 92nd birthday! We did get to face time with the family and loved seeing uncle Dan so cheery with all his kids surrounding him. We will sorely miss his big laugh and his supportive love. I’m sure he was greeted in heaven by his loving family and a big spaghetti dinner! RIP Uncle Dan.
 
 
Dante "Dan" Costanzo, age 92, formerly of Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
Dan was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Antonio and Concetta Costanzo. He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Lee Costanzo; children Debbie Corrier, Odie Costanzo, Dan (Christine) Costanzo, Melinda (Sandy) Russell, Mark (Jill) Costanzo; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law Jean (Charlie); and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by granddaughter Megan and siblings Joe, Fannie, Frank, Lucy (Nate), Angie (John), Carl (Millie).
Dan grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. As a youth, he wrestled for Lakewood High School. He attended Michigan State University, where he met his future wife Lee, and earned a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. After the birth of daughters Debbie and Odie, the family relocated to Oak Ridge, where he joined the former Analytical Chemistry Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He retired from ORNL in 1989.
Dan enjoyed fishing, hunting, and beekeeping, and was a skilled gardener. His meticulously kept yard in Oak Ridge was the envy of the neighborhood, and he was a familiar sight to passersby after staking a sizable vegetable garden alongside Emory Valley Road. He was instrumental in establishing the landscaping at All Saints Catholic Church, and was actively involved in the Glen Abbey Homeowners Association. His favorite vacation spot was the rustic family cabins on Lake Matinenda in Ontario, Canada. Dan felt strongly about giving his time to others and spent several years coaching youth basketball and softball in Oak Ridge. He also served as President of the Oak Ridge High School Soccer Booster Club during their last championship season. His presence will be dearly missed.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14, at Click Funeral Home in Farragut with a service immediately following.
Following Dan's wishes, please do a kind deed for another in his honor.
 
 
 

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