Obituary of Samuel F. Constantino

A dear friend, cherished father, and devoted husband passed on Saturday, January 4, 2025, surrounded by his adoring family. Samuel Frank Constantino, 53, of Clinton, NY, finished his two-year journey with pancreatic cancer with grace, dignity, and awed anticipation for his reunion with God.

Born the last of four children in Rome, NY, to Charles Alfred and Elaine Marie Constantino, Sam spent his upbringing becoming a master of fanciful skills and hobbies, which he loved performing for entertained friends through adulthood. Graduating in 1989 from Rome Catholic High School, Sam went on to study theology and business at the University of Rochester. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Sam began a prosperous career in sales. Winning the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike with his transparency, humility, and breadth of knowledge, Sam became mentor and friend to many and finished his career furthering his father’s legacy at his founded corporation, Par Technology.

On July 9, 1994, Sam married his high school sweetheart and forever love, Marie DeAngelo, at Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish in Rome, NY, with whom he shared a remarkable love story. Built on a foundation of friendship, Sam and Marie’s love was and remains to be an inspiration of authenticity, deep understanding, and true unity to all who have had the privilege of witnessing it. Sam and Marie were blessed with four children. Sam is remembered as a man whose truest calling and greatest joy was in fatherhood. He was admired by friends and family for the strong connections he shared with his children, the bonds he fostered among them, and his natural ability to become a compassionate mentor to those who needed one.

Sam created a sense of community in any space he entered, priding himself on bringing together friends from all walks of life with laughter, stories, and the ability to look at every day as a gift. He was a sincere friend, always finding the good in people and going the extra mile to do for those around him. His genuine desire to help and his inability to quit on anyone distinguished him in his community as someone who truly uplifted others.

Sam’s parting is a profound loss to those who had the joy of crossing paths with him and leaves a hole in the hearts of those with whom he shared his life. But Sam’s unrelenting appreciation for and enjoyment of life leaves his loved ones with strength of heart and peace of mind, for even in his illness Sam found gratitude for the growth in spirituality and strengthening of friendships he found through it. His life and his peaceful passing have proven a beautiful example by which to lead his loved ones through this life without him in gratitude, positivity, compassion and, always, in laughter.

Sam is predeceased by his father, Charles Constantino, and father-in-law, Vincent DeAngelo. He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Marie, and their four children: Samuel Vincent, Sophia Marie, Giovanna Elaine, and Vincenza Marie; his mother, Elaine; mother-in-law, Carol DeAngelo; brother, Charles (Jacque); and two sisters, Cynthia Gleason (Sean) and Caryn Hurwitz (Scott) of Rochester, NY; and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Visitation at the Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd, Rome, New York, will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2024, from 2:00-6:00 pm. Sam’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church at 210 East Dominic Street in Rome, New York, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, Sam has asked that donations be made to Project Purple, a charity organization in support of pancreatic cancer fighters and survivors, with which he worked closely throughout his illness. 

https://www.projectpurple.org/