Dominic Costanzo

Dominic Charles Costanzo, 99, was a proud family man and beloved pillar of the community.  He enjoyed a lifetime of service to his loved ones and the community at large.  He had a passion for helping those in need, be it friends, family, or complete strangers. He was the first to lend a hand in any situation with a bright smile and a hearty laugh.

‘My grandfather was the most respectable man I have ever known,” said grandson, Matthew Shackelford. “I never heard a cross word come from his mouth, he was there for anyone at any time. I understood what true love was watching how he cared for my grandmother as she was dealing with Alzheimer’s.”

Dominic Costanzo, 99, originally from the Elmwood Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia, rejoined his love, Margaret in heaven on Thursday, April 30, 2020 after passing away in his home.  In a home of twelve, all found their own path on the way to success. During World War II, Dominic served in the Army Air Corps as a Tailgunner in a B-17 for fifty bombing missions in the European Theater.  Dominic then worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad from August of 1947 to retirement from Conrail in May of 1984, earning the title of Vice President of Corporate Taxes for Conrail.

Grandson Roger said “The selflessness of my grandfather always struck me. When speaking of his military service, he made it known that heroic deeds were simply an act of duty as an American citizen.”

He met his future wife, Margaret, while working for the railroad, and they were married in November, 1952. Their daughter, Lisa Costanzo, was born August of 1957. “My father has always been my guardian angel. I promised him that we will never be apart and we never will.” says Lisa. She then had two sons, Roger and Matthew, Dominic’s grandchildren.

A graduate of West Philadelphia High School, he later graduated from the Wharton School of Business in June of 1950.

Dominic is survived by his brother Anthony Costanzo, Sister-in-Law Rosemary Costanzo, Sister-in-Law Sandy Costanzo, Daughter Lisa Costanzo, and Grandsons Roger and Matthew Shackelford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Costanzo, parents Charles and Lena Costanzo, brother Matthew Costanzo, sister Marie Siderio. Following the passing of his parents at an early age he was raised by his Grandfather and Grandmother along with their children Mary Molinaro, Peter DeMauro, Louis DeMauro,Viola DiCarlo, Esther DeMauro, Helen Pitetti and Mary Molinaro.

Services will be private due to current circumstances.