Joseph P. Costanzo, Jr. 89 of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Saturday June 4, 2016 surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Niagara Hospice. He was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Chiodo) Costanzo, Sr.

Joseph was a lifelong resident who attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School's first accelerated class in December of 1944. While in high school, Joseph participated in football, basketball and track and field, where he held the high school obstacle course record for many years. He also played for the Saturday Night Basketball League where his team, "Team Costanzo" took home the trophy after winning 15 straight games in the Kiwanis Basketball Tournament. At the age of 17, he was chosen by the American Red Cross Aquatic School in Oneida, NY, to participate in their water safety course.

Upon graduation, he was immediately drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He served 16 months in the Philippines and was stationed there when they received their independence from the United States. He was honorably discharged from the Army in December 1946 as a Staff Sergeant and awarded the Philippine Independence Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He returned home and worked for the Great Lakes Carbon Company for a short period of time, and then enrolled at Springfield College where he graduated with a degree in Health and Physical Education. After graduation, he went to work as physical education director at the Old Falls Street unit of the Niagara Falls Boys Club, an organization he was a member of at age 10, when it first opened in May of 1936. Shortly thereafter he became Unit Director. In 1971, Joseph became Executive Director until his retirement in 1989. He was responsible for changing the name to the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club, thereby officially putting girls in common membership with boys. He also founded the annual Boys and Girls Club dinner auction 34 years ago. It since has become a major event that raises necessary funds for several programs at the club.

Upon his retirement in June of 1989, he was elected to the Board of Education in which he served a five year term. He was also a substitute teacher in the Niagara Falls school district, a newsletter editor while member of the Niagara Falls Rotary Club, and served with the United Way committee during his tenure with the Boys Club.

Joe was a life member of the Disabled Veterans Association of America, and the Catholic War Veterans. He was a New York State Certified Social Worker, and received "Man of the Year" award from the Niagara Falls Boys Club Alumni Association, a group he founded as unit director at the Pine Avenue location. He also received several local awards such as, Top Hat Award from WJJL, National Boys Club of America Award and the fabulous 40's Award. He also received the annual 2011 Italian Festival "Citizen Speciale" award and the 2013 Mentor Award from the East Falls Old School reunion committee.

Mr. Costanzo is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, the former Philomena (Pope), his five children, Catherine (Angelo) Grande, Lawrence (Mary) Costanzo, Theresa (Philip) Nanula, Christine (John) Ferraro and Joseph Paul Costanzo, III. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his brother Dr. Frank (Gladys) Costanzo, sister Virginia (late Joseph) Celenza and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Dr. Paul (late Dorothy) and Carl (late Mary) Costanzo.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Cataract Church 259 4th Street Niagara Falls with his nephew, Rev. Joseph Gullo officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment with Military Honors in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Flowers are graciously declined; memorial contributions may be made to Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club 725 17th St. Niagara Falls, NY 14301 or Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094.