MICHAEL R. COSTANTINO age 88, beloved husband for 67 years of Helen (nee Dackiewicz); loving father of Mike, Ron, Mark (wife, Janet), Karen and Kevin; devoted grandfather of Jennifer, Christopher, Jaime, Jessica, Andrea, Anthony and AnaMaria and great-grandfather of 6; cherished son of the late Napolean and Edith (nee Zuchelli); dearest brother of Anna Mae Smith and the late Gloria Perry and Frank; dear brother-in-law of Stanley Dackiewicz; dearest Godfather of LeeAnn Price; treasured uncle and great-uncle of many. U.S. Army Korean War Veteran.
Mike: “Is this Heaven?”
Jesus: “Yes, Mike, it is. It’s not Iowa.”
Mike: “Man, I did love this game. I’d have played for food money. It was the game….The sounds, the smells. Did you ever hold a ball or a glove to your face?”
April is when baseball starts and the promise of a new season. Peanut shells and the crack of the ash bat. The thump of a fast ball hitting the catcher’s mitt, and the month in which Michael Costantino would get his second chance to play big league ball, just not on earth. The day he was called Home, Palm Sunday, he felt the presence of many of the great ballplayers and, when asked, “Dad, with whom are you speaking?” He replied, “Pee Wee Reese,” very seriously. It seems the 1955 World Series teams came to welcome him and show him the way to the corn field.
On a Friday evening on 23 October 1931, in Numine Pennsylvania, Michael entered the world, the grandson of immigrants from Calabria, Italy. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig had just finished the season as the HR leaders, and Lefty Grove led the pitching stats.In the span of the next fifteen years, the family moved to Cleveland for work, and Mike began playing ball in sandlots across the city along Superior Avenue. He would attend Cleveland Indians games at League Park in the late 1930s and through the mid-1940s; oftentimes, an uncle from New York or his Grandma Zuchelli would take him. After Case Elementary and Addison Jr. High, he attended East High School, where he was a varsity letterman in football, basketball and baseball (shortstop/third baseman) for the Blue Bombers. He was student council president his senior year and would start dating his future wife, Helen. He was employed at Boystowns of Cleveland at E. 80th and Superior. He would stay in touch and become close friends with those he coached and mentored, talking to one of the “boys” just days before passing.
Upon graduating in 1951, Michael was drafted by the Chicago Cubs as a Shortstop and spent a year in the farm system before being asked to be traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1952. They honored the request, and he signed with his hometown team, cherishing the Chief Wahoo uniform patch he kept long after leaving the game. His time in pro baseball was cut short when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After proposing to Helen on Christmas Eve, 1952, they married on 11 August 1953 while he was on leave. After a brief honeymoon to Niagara Falls, she accompanies him to Aberdeen, Maryland, where he was stationed as an MP. June 1954 is the birth of the first of five children – four boys and a girl. At the time he completed his service, with a wife and child, the players did not make enough money to support sustaining a young and growing family. He attended John Carroll University and would continue to play semi-pro ball. He began managing/coaching his sons’ little league baseball and grade school basketball teams, and started refereeing high school basketball games. In fact, he refereed the first night high school basketball game in the state of Ohio. At one time or another, all his children would go with him to games, scurrying under the bleachers and pretending to be playing like the big kids.
After the service, he also began what would be a 45-year career at TRW in Euclid, Ohio. (TRW would eventually break off into Argo Tech and Marine Mechanical Corp.) He loved his job and was a fiercely loyal colleague. Those who traveled with him – Arizona, California, New Hampshire – would attest to adventures and late night ice cream runs. He retired as Sr. Technical Buyer for Navy Nuclear Products, specializing in procurement of parts for the Seawolf-class submarine and for aircraft carriers, including USS Ronald Reagan, and had elevated government security clearance. He would return as a consultant for a few years post-retirement. When he put down the satchel for the final time, he did so reluctantly, and began focusing on organizing East High Grand Reunions. He should have been a politician – the way he worked the crowds and could garner consensus among the committee persons. He would also meet with his former colleagues regularly, as well as his former high school teammates. He was arguably one of the best sports trivia players in Cleveland, and could recite a baseball player’s stats right up until the end, especially those of his favorite player, Joe DiMaggio.
There will never be a more devoted husband, father and grandfather. He left an indelible mark on his children and taught them how to use the tools they would need to survive and thrive. They all have. They will all remember that when he called one of them on the phone, he would start by saying their names, followed by “this is Dad.” Of course, they knew his voice – and had caller i.d.
No space is big enough for the family to list what will be missed most, and what is cherished as vivid memories – the generosity he showed everyone (a tradition passed down from his grandfather, his great Uncles in NY and his father), being a die-hard Buckeyes fan, his love of boxing and mafia movies/books, his affinity for khakis and golf shirts, his notes to his children as Santa, reading the sports page with a fudgsicle and Pepsi, explaining something to one of his kids by writing on a napkin, dunking toast in his coffee, swearing when trying to put the lights on the Christmas tree (the only other time he swore was when he hit a pothole), kissing his wife whenever he left the house, saying good night to her every evening. He leaves behind that wife of 67 years, who has lost her best friend and Indians game-watching partner. We explained to her that he has just tapped home plate, slapping the hand of Christ and entering through the Eternal Gates that a life filled with faith, family and friends earned him.
Mike, Dad, Grandpa, “lotta shake…,” you hit a home run.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Michael to Boys Town PO Box 8000 Boys Town, NE 68010 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held. Burial will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Public Family visitation to receive friends to pay tribute to Michael at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 3-6 PM. Celebration of Life Service will be at a later date.
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Mike Perry
Uncle Mike as he will always be affectionately remembered by me. I was named after my uncle. Although we lived far apart geographically, I in CA, I have very fond memories of Uncle Mike. Every one who knew him knew how much that he loved sports. I do as well, so we would have some lively conversations about our favorite teams. Not competitively of course he sent me a Cleveland Browns handkerchief that I still have. When I was a kid in the 60’s our family drove from CA to Ohio. I was taken to the hospital for sever environmental allergies so bad the doctor suggested we leave. Medicine was much different then so most of my visits with Uncle Mike were when he came out to CA, or by phone. I will miss my uncle, and offer my condolences to my relatives.
Councilwoman Susan Sabetta
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this sad time. God Bless and Stay Safe.
Fran Wilson
Hi Helen,
So sad to hear about Mike’s passing. He was a wonderful cousin and will be missed by all of us remaining Zuchelli Cugine.
Hugs, Fran Zuchelli Wilaon
Irene Kleinsorge
Mike(Coz) I am so sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is but memories get you through… He sounded like a wonderful beautiful human being! Love and miss you Coz
christ petroff
Helen; You married one hell of a guy for 67 years. We’ll never find a more honest and loving person than Mike, you could always talk to him, no bull. I’ve known Mike about 70 years, played all the sports with him and enjoyed his company. Barbara and I send our prayers knowing that Mike is someplace playing third base again. God bless you.
Stan & Paulette Dackiewicz
Our Beloved Brother-in-law, as Stanley would say “ he’s my brother-in- law but more so my best friend. Our hearts ache knowing this kind, gentle, soft spoken man is gone. Mike always made you feel you’re the most important person when talking to him. He would listen to every word you spoke. He took interest in others. Always willing to help whenever he could. I’ll miss his smile and his hugs. Listening all about his sports tale. Those trips we took to the casinos, going out to eat, and just being together. We loved you greatly
Denise Dackiewicz
My sweet Uncle Mike…how much he is already missed…he had quite an impact on my life by teaching me how to throw a football…a softball that I could throw farther than some of the boys in my school as a child…I couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to ever forget the kindest man I’ve ever known and proudly called him my Uncle.
Lindsey Dackiewicz
Uncle Mike, how I will be left with so many amazing memories of you. Your listening ear, intriguing thoughts, in depth conversations, and facts no matter what age I was. You were always there to listen and talk. I remember you quizzing me on facts to make me feel smart. One in particular, when I was in 5th grade you asked me what century is the 19th century and you made me feel so smart with the correct answer. I’m going to miss talking about mobs, mob books, and mob movies with you. I’ll miss hearing your baseball stories and seeing you with your reunions. You were such an amazing loving man and even greater Uncle! I will miss you and I love you so much!!! Your memories will never leave me!
Marlene Hocevar Rearden
As one of the “older” nieces, I remember when you and Auntie Helen were dating.We all thought it was because you looked like Eddie Fisher, her teenage crush. But as we got to know you, we found out it was because you were a terrific person and gentleman. Your wedding reception was at my Dad and Mom’s house on 78th street , beautiful bride and handsome groom, I was 5yo. and Angie was 9yo, you called us by our nicknames,Cookie and Snookie. Although we haven’t seen our families in years, you and “Mikey” came to Mommy’s funeral in December and it was so nice of you to travel all that way. Tell Mom and Dad we said “hello”. Much love to Auntie Helen and your family.
Darla Dackiewicz
My deepest sympathies. Uncle Mike was the best uncle you c old ask for — always kind, caring, smart and so devoted to Aunt Helen. My tears flow as the world has lost one of God’s saints on earth.
Love and Sympathy,
Darla
Jeanette Darling
I was deeply saddened by the passing of Mike. Even though it’s been a very long time since I saw him and Helen, I will always have good memories of them and the Zuchelli family.
ex-Sivanick
Nick Salomone
I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing and my prayers go out to your family. Mike was a friend of my late father Ray Salomone, and Mike’s visits to my home when I was younger are something I remember fondly. He coached kids sports teams with my dad in their younger days, and I always enjoyed talking sports with him. His intelligence, kind nature and sharp wit left an impression on me that makes me smile whenever I think of him. God bless all of you and God bless Mike.
Angela Hocevar
I was so surprised and saddened when I heard that Uncle Mike had passed. When he and Mikey came to my mom’s wake in Dec., he was just as gracious and attentive as always. The term “gentleman” was coined for him. I wish I could give Auntie Helen a great big hug right now. At least I was able to gave him one when I last saw him. No doubt he is in heaven right now talking baseball with my dad. Have fun up there Uncle Mike and know that you were very much loved and appreciated here for the “gentle” man you always were to all. Love always, never forgotten.
Kathy & Tom Zdanowicz
My sincere condolences to your family. Although I did not have the honor of knowing this man, I can tell he was a great individual. My families prayers are with your family during this challenging time. God bless!
Davd Dackiewicz
Uncle Mike..as he was known to me, was a very kind and gentle man. I’d add that he was silent mostly in a room and you might not realize it at first, then he’d basically feed “knowledge “and “wisdom. I spent some of my most cherished summers between late 60’s and 1970’s with Constantino’s in Euclid,Ohio. I used to think wow, I have a lot in common with my Uncle Mike while I was a young boy. Mike always couldn’t believe at first, how cousin Mark and I could manage to hit a whiffle ball through the smallest pipe on top I believe of the roof of the house. It was very funny as a boy at the time. As a father he will be sorely missed by all family and friends, and all who ever knew him! Lord I’ll pray that you provide strength and courage to Aunt Helen as she has lossed her spouse and friend of nearly “seven decades”. I’ll never forget you Uncle Mike. Rest in “heavenly peace”. With all love. David.(nephew).
Len and Cheryl Kastelic
Mike was a very special friend who will be missed. He always showed up for every event and was loved by everyone. He was a great sports guy like most of the group from East High. I am sure he will be missed by his family but you will always have all the wonderful memories. God bless
David L. Bly
My friend Mike will be be greatly missed by the many he touched. For several years Mike took it upon himself to organize and facilitate East High School class reunions. He was a class act at everything he undertook. God bless him and his family.
David Bly – class of June 1953
Robert B. Fisher St. Petersburg Fl.
I worked with Mike in same office for over 4 years in the purchasing Dept. at Marine Mechanical . Our offices were about 8 feet apart. Every morning we would talk about sports and family matters. We were working 6 days a week about 10 to 12 hours M-F and 4-8 hrs. every Sat. We worked under high stress daily. Mike was probably among the top 5 people I ever worked with (I worked with many Fortune 100 Companies) He was the most professional and personable and understanding man ever to been associated with. I kept in touch with Mike many years after leaving the Euclid plant in 1992. A few years later my son died in the Army and I received a letter from Mike. never will I forget him for his consideration to me and my family. A few (2) years latter my wife passed with cancer and I also was contacted by Mike. Just a truly GREAT PERSON and enjoyed knowing him. To the Constantino Family we all lost a special man. RIP MIKE
Tom and Cathy Constantine
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mike, we have not been in touch with much of the family for some time, thanks to Betty for the letting us know.
Karl M. Sanders
Helen and family sorry to hear of longtime friend. Mike and I have been friends since our days at Case Elementary and East High. Their would not have been a East High Reunion if it had not been for Mike. I all will miss a great friend. M y prayers are with you and the family.