Vito V. Costanza

Frankfort - Mr. Vito V. Costanza, 90, of 609 Reese Rd. passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2015 in St. Luke's Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born in Frankfort on April 25, 1924, the son of the late Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Paratore Costanza and he attended Ilion schools. He served during World War II in the Army in the European and Pacific Theaters with the 283 Pigeon Corps from January 27, 1943 until his Honorable Discharge on February 9, 1946. He was married to Phyllis Licari on September 11, 1948 in St. Mary's Church. Phyllis passed away on March 13, 2012. Vito was employed as an Assembler for Remington Arms in Ilion for many years until his retirement in 1984. He was also Owner and Operator of Royal Market in Frankfort for many years. He was a member of the Midstate Sportsman Pigeon Club and the American Legion Post #845, Frankfort. Vito loved his heritage and the Sicilian dialect. He never forgot his family beginnings from Sicily. He was very loving and compassionate and his sense of humor will live on through the generations. Vito is survived by three sons and daughters in law, Joseph and Theresa Costanza of Frankfort, Sam and Christina Costanza of Ilion, and Victor and Mary Jane Costanza of Schuyler; his beloved grandchildren, Margaretmary Costanza, Joellen Costanza, Matthew Costanza, Victor Costanza, Jr. and his wife, Kimberly and James Costanza; his sisters and brother in law, Nancy and Joseph Diliberto of Frankfort and Rose Zito; his aunt, Rose Guarniere of Frankfort; His in laws, Anthony Licari of Frankfort, Sam Licari of Ft. Herkimer and Lena Costanza Lynch of TX. and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one brother, Sam Costanza. His funeral will be held Monday morning at 9:30 AM from the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Ave. Frankfort and at 10:00 AM in Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Paul Catena with Military Honors. Spring interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday evening from 3-7 PM in the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. Members of the American Legion will meet Sunday evening at 6 PM at the funeral home for services. Vito's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Masonic Care Community for the wonderful care and compassion shown to him during his stay and passing. They would also like to extend their appreciation to the doctors and nurses of St. Luke's Memorial hospital for their expertise and compassionate care during his staff. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Vito's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com