Joseph Anthony Costanza

Joseph Costanza, 55, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2022.  Joe was born on December 4, 1966 in Elizabeth, NJ, the son of Sebastiano and Margaret (nee Cranmer) Costanza.  He graduated from Elizabeth High School and worked as a skilled automobile painter, by trade, for many years.  More recently, Joe began to drive for Uber, which he enjoyed, as he always loved to meet new people and had the gift of gab.
Joe grew up as the youngest child of 3 boys in a very large, extended family having 13 aunts and uncles, and 29 first cousins. The family was very close knit and lived just blocks from each other in Elizabeth.  Joe spent many summers at his aunt’s and uncle’s farm in Oneonta, New York and often recalled many great memories helping his Uncle Al on the farm, spending summer days with his cousins and ‘moving rocks’ for his uncle, so they wouldn’t be lazy. 
Joe was an avid fisherman and took every opportunity to fish from a boat, the surf along NJ beaches or local rivers.  He also loved sports, primarily baseball, and enjoyed rooting for his beloved Yankees, Jets and Rangers.
As he grew older, Pt. Pleasant became his summer home, where he found a great group of friends would rent a beach house every summer to enjoy NJ summers on the boardwalk.  These friends have been like family to him and have always cherished having each of them in his life over the years.
Joe married his wife, Deirdre (nee Flaherty) and lived in the River Plaza area in Middletown. Together, they raised two incredible children, Peter and Olivia. He loved being a husband and father and was completely devoted to his family. They were the center of his world and he was their biggest fan in every aspect of their lives. 
Joe had a big heart and an easy smile, and frequently volunteered his time to help others. He was very active in his children’s sporting events, football, basketball, baseball, soccer and cheer, and he could often be found at Nick Trezza Field in River Plaza for Chargers practices and games or at Bodman Park maintaining the baseball fields so the kids could play ball. He was very involved with the Middletown Little League, where he served as a member of its Board of Directors and coached many baseball teams, both for Little League and Travel.  Even as his children grew, Joe remained committed to the Little League and continued to volunteer his time whenever he could.  As the kids moved on to Thompson Middle School and Middletown High School South, he continued to be their biggest fan.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, his aunts and uncles, many of his cousins and recently his nephew LTC Gregory McSween, USMC.  Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Deirdre, and his children Peter and Olivia.  He is also survived by his brother James and his wife, Sherill Costanza and his brother Louis Costanza, both of Middletown NJ, his 36 nieces and nephews and his 34 great-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be August 2nd from 5pm to 8pm at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated August 3rd at 10am at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank, with interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.  In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s memory to https://gofund.me/9993776e a GoFundMe page to support the family with educational funds at Costanza Family Educational Funds GoFundMe Page.
 

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