Gene

Costantino

d. Mar 22, 2022

Fairview

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Obituary

Gene Costantino of Fairview, formerly of Ridgefield

June 3, 1929 - March 22, 2022

Born Ignazio Costantino in Union City to Nick and Vicky, he was

rechristened "Gene" by his first-grade teacher. The nickname stuck.

A veteran of the Korean War, Gene did two tours of duty, the first (and

the longest and the one that sent him overseas) as a volunteer.

Gene earned a B.A. in English from Fairleigh Dickinson, and became a

teacher, first at Union Hill High School in Union City, then at

Ridgefield Memorial High School, and, finally and for many years, at

Ridgefield's W. Arthur Skewes Middle School.

"Mr. C." was beloved by his colleagues and students for his zany humor,

his easy-goingness, and his compassion. His production of "The Tell-tale

Heart" is always glowingly recalled by the those who performed in it and

all who saw it.

For several years, Gene was director of Ridgefield's Department of

Welfare, and he was for a while a member of the board of the Ridgefield

Public Library. In 2016, he served as Grand Marshal of Ridgefield's

Memorial Day Parade, a honor he and his family and friends much enjoyed

and will always appreciate.

Gene is survived by his sister, Martha Massa; his children, Susan of

Naples, Florida; Nicholas of Ridgefield; Daniel of Fort Mill, South

Carolina; seven grandchildren; and his long-time companion, Marie Portella.

Gene was predeceased by his son David, who passed away in 2013.

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March

27

Sunday

A.K. Macagna Funeral Home

3:00 - 8:00 pm

March

28

Monday

Starts at 11:30 am