Obituary of Anthony J. Costanzo

Anthony J. "Tony" Costanzo, 96, of 142 Marion St., Jamestown passed away peacefully at 10:40 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2017, in his home surrounded by his family. A lifelong area resident, he was born April 18, 1920 in Jamestown, NY a son of the late Joseph F. and Josephine Ortolano Costanzo. He married the love of his life, Bessie Melice Costanzo in 1946, she passed away in 1986. Before his retirement he was employed as a cabinet maker for the former Union National, Inc. where he worked for 40 years. In earlier years he was a member of the Jamestown Police Reserves for 13 years and was a cook at the former "210 Pine", where his father-in-law was head cook. In 1935, Tony went to work helping to build Allegheny State Park for 4 years. He was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church, a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 53, where he was Vice Commander of the color guard, a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 865, Jamestown, where he was Sgt. Major of the firing squad, a member of the Herman Kent Post 777, American Legion and a member of the War Vets Recreation Club. He will be remembered as one who was devoted to his family, his country and to his fellow servicemen and women. He enjoyed cooking, dancing, hunting, fishing, bowling and was an avid golfer well into his 90's. Tony continued to honor our veterans by participating in military honors at many funerals until just the last couple months. He held the members and friends of the Jamestown Vietnam Veterans Association close to his heart and their friendship meant the world to him. Tony was a proud decorated veteran of the U.S. Army serving from January 28, 1941 to July 23, 1945 during World War II as a member of the 1st Infantry known as the "Big Red One". During his tour of duty he served in Europe and North Africa, including "Operation Torch" in North Africa in November of 1942, where he served as part of the first American ground campaign against Germany. In February of 1943, he fought in the Battle of the Kasserine Pass in Tunisia, including against the Vichy French government who had sided with Germany and in May of 1943 his unit moved to Sicily as part of "Operation Husky". On June 6, 1944, Tony and his 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One", stormed Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day Invasion. After the Normandy Invasion he was assigned back to Italy as an MP, because he spoke fluent Italian, until the end of the war. As a result of his service to our nation, he had received many medals and commendations including, the Purple Heart with clusters, the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Marksmanship Badge with M1 Rifle Bar, the American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Army of Occupation Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross with device and the French Croix, de Guerre. In 2010, Tony was awarded the key to the City of Jamestown, by Mayor Samuel Teresi, and in 2011, was inducted into the New York State Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame. In 2014, Tony was chosen by Senator Cathy Young to join 13 other veterans from around the country to fly to Normandy to visit the site of the invasion. He was accompanied by his granddaughters, Meghan and Danielle. On October 2, 2014, he was awarded the insignia of Chevalier as a member of the "Legion of Honor" by the President of the French Republic, and was recognized by President Barack Obama. Surviving are his three children, Joseph S. (Joanne) Costanzo of Jamestown, Antoinette (John) Lowe of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Samuel J. (Robin) Costanzo of Lakewood, NY, five grandchildren, Meghan Costanzo of Jamestown, Danielle Lowe, Alyssa Lowe both of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Joe Costanzo of Jamestown, Amanda Costanzo of Lakewood, a great grandson, Niko Anthony Knight of Jamestown, a sister, Mamie (David) Milton of CA, his Godson, Samuel Arcadipane, Jr. of Jamestown and many nieces and nephews. Tony loved and admired four special ladies: the late Margaret Barr (his dancing partner), Sister-in-law, Felicia Melice, of Palm Springs, FL, and his dear friends, Mechelle Hitchcock of CA and New York State Senator Cathy Young. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Bessie, a grandson, Eric Lowe, a brother, Frank Costanzo and a sister, Mary Youngeski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in St. James Catholic Church. The Rev. Darrell G. Duffy, pastor will be celebrant. Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home where a Christian Wake Service will be led by Rev. Duffy at 8:45 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Jamestown Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 865, 41 Bigelow Ave. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to the Blue Star Mothers, Lake Erie New York Chapter, P.O. Box 22, Jamestown, NY 14701.