Francis Costanzo

Costanzo, Francis A. MECHANICVILLE Francis A. "Frank" Costanzo, 73, of Saratoga Avenue, died Thursday morning, June 26, 2008 at his home, after battling lung cancer for this past year. A native and lifelong resident of Mechanicville, born September 18, 1934, son of the late Joseph and Nancy Schiavo Costanzo and brother of the late Catherine DeMarco. A 1953 graduate of Mechanicville High School, he was drafted into the US Army and served two years at the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, as a specialist 4. After graduating from the Troy School of Beauty Culture, Frank worked at the former Wallace Department Store (beauty salon) in Schenectady. He then owned and operated the former Mr. Frank's Beauty Salon in Ballston Spa from 1960-75. In 1975, he bought the former Siciliano's Tavern and ran Costanzo's Lounge from 1975-1989, when he bought the former Matteo's Grill on Saratoga Ave. in Mechanicville, and has operated his friendly neighborhood tavern and restaurant, Costanzo's Lounge to the present day. Frank was a partner in the operation of the former Plaza Pub in Mechanicville. He also ran the restaurant at the Mechanicville Golf Club from 1990-95. A 45-year member and past exulted ruler (1976-77) of the Elks Lodge in Mechanicville, Frank also was a longtime member and past president of the Italian Fraternal Society, the former Sons of Italy Lodge, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Saratoga Eagles Club and Assumption-St. Paul Church in Mechanicville. Survivors include his two brothers, Gaetano "Kenneth" (Catherine) Costanzo of Poughkeepsie and Joseph (Phyllis Stockwell) Costanzo of Mechanicville and two sisters, Carmella (Lee) Hein and Nancy (Tony Lanzone) Garland, all of Mechanicville; brother-in-law, Stephen DeMarco of Mechanicville; nieces and nephews, Alan (Kim) Hein, Beth Hein, Larry, Steve, Janet, Vic and Carl DeMarco, Cathy (Bob) Mahoney, John (Donna) and Karen Costanzo, along with many, many lifelong friends, work staff and customers who Frank treated like family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 30 at 9:15 a.m. at Assumption-St. Paul William Street Church. Burial with military honors in the Saratoga National Cemetery. Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville Sunday 3-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to either Community Hospice of Saratoga or the American Cancer Society, in memory of Frank Costanzo.