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- James A. ‘Jimmy’ Costanzo, 85, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on October 5, 2024 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late James A. and Antoinette (Saverino) Costanzo.
James attended local schools in Buffalo where he graduated from High School. He proudly served in the United States Army Reserves. Jimmy, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was employed as a laborer for Laborer’s Union Local #91 for over 40 years. He was an avid classic car collector, and enjoyed owning and restoring classic cars and attending car shows throughout the Northeast with his dear friends and family members. His prized possession was his 1933 Ford Coupe, styled similar to the one made popular by the movie American Graffiti. In addition to being a member of the Union, he was a member of the American Hot Rod Association.
Jimmy was a life enthusiast and lived each and every one of his days to the fullest. At 85, in the words of Neil Young, “better to burn out than fade away”, he passed away quickly doing what he loved to do. He took great pride caring for his family and dear friends in the best way he could. He was an early riser, part of the 5 AM club and would be on the go until nightfall. Jimmy started each day with a long-standing group of friends for coffee at Tim Hortons on Niagara Falls Boulevard and especially enjoyed Sunday breakfast at Yubbs.
Everyone who knew Jimmy understood how he enjoyed collecting and frequenting flea markets and swap meets. He was especially fond of honoring the 1950s generation through his collecting. Most recently he was proud to be one of the union workers who worked on building the Turtle in downtown Niagara Falls and had great hope that the building would stand strong and be a place to honor the Native Americans.
He shared a special devotion to St. Christopher and St. Jude, proudly giving each year for decades to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Above all, Jimmy will be missed by those who were lucky enough to meet him and become close to him.
James is survived by his loving family who will miss him; his daughter, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Costanzo; his granddaughters, Cassandra Costanzo and Christina Artman-Costanzo; five great-grandchildren; his beloved life partner of over 29 years, Peggy Cheetham, several dear nieces, nephews and cousins who knew him as Uncle Sonny and his former spouse and friend, Patricia (late Rossman Giese) Costanzo. He was sadly predeceased by his son, James A. Costanzo, and his siblings, Carl (Doris) Costanzo, Mary DeCarlo, and Jenny Cisco.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10 from 3 -7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, where funeral services will be held at 7 PM. Interment and committal prayers will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 12 Noon at St. Joseph Cemetery, 3806 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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Abt 1939 - 2024 (~ 85 years)