Sylvia W. Kronstadt
1949 - 2016
Salt Lake City, Utah-Sylvia Kronstadt died at dawn on December 30 at the home she loved; succumbing to the cruelest of the many devastating health issues she faced with so much courage in recent years. Her intellectual vigor, refreshing candor and genuine charm earned her the respect and admiration of everyone fortunate enough to get to know her. An accomplished writer, editor, investigative reporter and essayist, her work appeared in many prominent national and local publications over a span of four decades. She passionately believed in the virtues of social justice, compassion and charity. She is survived by her extraordinary 98-year-old mother Eunice Kronstadt, who has dementia; but still believes that "Every day is a beautiful day", her loving soulmate, best friend and life partner of 34 years, Joe Costanzo; and sisters Linda Ptaschinski and Gina Kronstadt. Sylvia was preceded in death by her Father, Reuben Kronstadt. She expressed a deep debt of gratitude to Dr. Fred Reimherr, who for decades refused to give up his effort to help her to have a contented, productive life. Thank you as well to Drs. Louis Moench and Steven W. Heath for their compassionate care during her final and most difficult months. At her request there will be no services.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com.

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Published by Deseret News on Jan. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Kronstadt

Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.

21 Entries

Holly Mullen

January 2, 2023

The reminder to remember you, Sylvia, greeted me this morning in my email box. I think of you often. I hope somewhere in the vast universe you've found peace. I won't forget you.

Craig Allred

January 3, 2022

Memory from high school we attended together: Sylvia did not like to drive. When she did it was in her father's gigantic station wagon. She drove like an old lady (scrunched forward, rarely exceeding 30 mph, and nervous as a cat...drove me crazy then but now it makes me laugh and I miss it.

D.A. Gamble

September 1, 2017

I am sadden to hear of the passing of Sylvia. I knew she had fallen ill but I wanted to believe she would overcome and bounce back with renewed strength and soon be back to her incredible and insightful writing. It would have been such a blessing to have known her personally. We both grew up in Utah at the same time, had similar talents, beliefs, and experiences and both moved to New York City. In the end Sylvia turned out to be a great inspiration to me. The world has lost a bright light and my prayers are with her family and with her true love Joe.

Craig Allred

March 9, 2017

My heart is broken. As a young man, I loved this woman. We had some good times. Went our separate ways but briefly reconnected a few years ago when I became aware of her later accomplishments and travails. A bright light has gone out. Joe, you were a lucky man.

February 4, 2017

Alas, Sylvia will never know how very much I appreciate her admonishment in the hallway of Olympus Junior High..."NEVER end a sentence with AT!" Haha... Ever since that fateful day, I have been ultra-sensitive to those preposition-ending sentences and too often have repeated Sylvia's grammar advice... to the great chagrin of my co-workers and children!

I have not seen Sylvia since the day.. over 45 years ago.. when she read to me the letter she had received from Bess Myerson. Sylvia had sent an unsolicited letter to Ms. Myerson requesting a job. Ms. Myerson's written response was something like... "I MUST meet this woman". I felt a mixture of awe and envy. Sylvia and I were pretty good friends. Sure, she was smart. Sure, she was a go-getter. But until that moment I had never appreciated her exceptionalism.

I later got an MBA with the subconscious hope of getting a job like Sylvia had landed with just one letter. Of course, it was not to be. How could it be? I did not have Sylvia's talent.

I am sorry that I never saw Sylvia again and very sorry that I was not able to thank her for the positive influence she had on me.

My life has had its ups and downs but I am very happy. I pray now that Sylvia is at peace.

Thank you, my friend.

Sylvia & friends age 15!

Lynne Whiting

January 9, 2017

G Dixon

January 9, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort during these difficult days. Psalms 9: 9,10

Vicki Varela

January 8, 2017

I was so sad to read of Sylvia's death in the paper this morning. She was stunning and eloquent and powerful and intimidating. It took all my courage to sign up with Sylvia as my writing coach in the early 80s. Her guidance was profound and insightful. Syliva helped me conclude that the gap between my writing talent and aspirations was significant enough that I should forage around to understand my other talents and exploit them. I will forever admire and envy her eloquence. I am now savoring the Kronstantinople blog and wishing I had stayed in closer touch with her over the years.
Joe, I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed your tribute to her. So many wonderful memories of the two of you @ DesNews.
Best
Vicki Varela

Katharine Biele

January 8, 2017

Joe - I talked to Sylvia only a few times, but our dads were the best of friends. What a terrible loss for you. My husband George died in December, and Starks did a lovely job for us. My heart and soul are with you.

Linda Taylor

January 8, 2017

I attended Olympus Junior and Olympus High schools with Sylvia. We were not close friends, but she always made an impression. She was the first person I ever heard talk about a haze that obscured the Oquirrh mountains; she was an environmentalist before any of us knew what that was. Incredibly intelligent and serious minded, I admired her a great deal. I am grateful she has found some relief from the physical pains of this world.

Lynne Erickson Whiting

January 7, 2017

Haven't seen Sylvia in years, but I can instantly conjur a sassy, funny, incredibly bright 17 yr old Sylvia. Our interest in journalism intersected at Olympus Junior & Senior High Schools where we staffed The Bulldog & the Thunderbolt & became friends. I send love & light to each of you

Deborah Dean

January 7, 2017

Sylvia was the most extraordinary friend I ever had.
Remarkable, exceptional, amazing, astonishing, astounding, sensational, stunning, incredible, unbelievable, striking, unique, noteworthy, uncommon, rare.....
She saved me from eating lunch in the stalls of the girls bathroom at Olympus jr high, as I was the "new girl" with a southern accent in the 8th grade and didn't know a single person. She introduced me to her friends, the "popular" girls. I never had to dine on the toilet again.
Turns out, we both had southern roots, and we were both crazy Geminis.
We were fast friends forever after. I spent countless hours with her at the family home on Kentucky Ave. RK, Eunice, Sylvia, Linda and Gina were like night and day to my own family.
I remember when Eunice would pick us up from school at Olympus high, on the wonderful days I'd be invited to spend the day, with cups of yogurt for our afternoon snack. Well, what is this delectable treat, and where are my Little Debbie donuts? I'd never been exposed to yogurt in 1965.
I spent an incredible 24 hours with Sylvia in Manhattan around 1977, when she was an investigative reporter. We took the subway in the middle of the night. She was writing a report on a meeting with NOW and what was then called the "radical lesbian" coalition. This was my first time in New YORK, first time on a subway, and certainly a first with NOW and the radical lesbians. Like my first with yogurt, I found myself wondering.....Where are my Little Debbies?
My memories tell me that everything with Kronstadt was a first.
I last spent time with Sylvia in the mid 80s after she returned to SLC. We shared stories of our lives from the past decade. Many were fabulous, some gut wrenching, but all were honest. I lost touch with her soon after, and try as I would, I never saw her again. My memories of her live on. I feel her energy with us still, and like Sylvia herself......the energy is extraordinary!
My love and condolences to Joe, Eunice, Linda, Gina, and all those who loved her.
Peace

Dennis Ferguson

January 6, 2017

I am saddened that the world has lost the insight, beauty, and empathy that my high school friend and confidant brought to this often beleaguered world. I regret that I failed later in life to reach out and reconnect with this bright star. Here is an excerpt from her entry in my 1967 yearbook: "I guess I respect and trust very few people. Consider yourself respected and trusted by a brilliant, refreshing young woman who's picky as hell." An amazingly accurate self-description--brilliant and refreshingly honest, indeed. And, Joe what a remarkable man you must be to have had her love, trust, and respect for so many years. My father, George Ferguson (now 93), who was privileged to work with Sylvia at the DNews and to call her friend, also sends his fond memories of her and his condolence. Linda, my love to you and to Gina, Joe, and Eunice, in this time of sorrow.

Gina Kronstadt

January 5, 2017

Kronstadt sisters 1985

Gina Kronstadt

January 4, 2017

Sending LOVE out into the great beyond in hopes that Sylvia somehow will embrace it and know the deep respect and admiration I (and others) had for her.
May she Fly Like The Wind...❤
Rest In PEACE, Seek.

Douglas Palmer

January 4, 2017

I, too, would like to send condolences regarding the passing of Sylvia, who I knew and admired as a member of the Deseret News staff. It has been years and years since I had contact with her. I regret that and send my best to her family members and close personal friends. I also wish that I could make contact with Joe, who was a very intelligent, capable reporter and good friend. My very best to you, Joe. Please give me a call at 801-571-6239 if you see this message. I also send my best regards to others who worked at the DN and whose notes preceded mine.

Doug Palmer

Brooke Adams

January 4, 2017

To Joe, Gina, Linda and Eunice: I wondered about Sylvia a few weeks ago and searched out her blog. I also found the terrific tribute you wrote to her, Joe. I was reminded again of Sylvia's wonderful wit and writing talent. I thought, 'Well, I need to track her down so we can catch up.' But I did not. I am very sad. I am grateful to have know this wonderfully creative person and to have been on the receiving end of some of Sylvia's edits. My love to all of you as you struggle with your loss and celebrate her life. Brooke Adams

Marilyn Karras McKinnon

January 4, 2017

Sylvia was unique.I enjoyed watching her call into question so many accepted norms and cultural traditions while working on the DNEWS copy desk. I'm sorry she suffered at the end. Sincere condolences to Joe.

January 4, 2017

I have given up on trying to think of something profound to say. My memory of her wit and writing talent intimidates me. I am afraid she would find me lacking. But she never did -- not at the time I worked with her at the Deseret News or in the years that would follow, when, like everyone, I would see little of her. In my encounters with her, she spoke to me with the candor the obituary mentions. She validated me, as a writer and as a personality she considered authentic. High praise from Sylvia. I never lost the value of it -- and never will. She had an intellect and talent that she took from Utah to New York City and back. We never saw enough of it; perhaps her suffering explains that. What we did see was incandescent. At least it was in my eyes. She and her longtime love Joe Costanzo are two of the finest people I've met in my life, and two of the most talented people I met in my career in journalism. I never had anything but respect and admiration for Sylvia. Respect, Respect, Respect. And thanks.

Vaughn Roche

Lois Collins

January 4, 2017

I often view people as colors: Sylvia was vibrant deep purple, perhaps. She was fascinating and smart and I have a great fondness for her. Sorry, Joe, for your loss and that of her family.

Holly Mullen

January 3, 2017

Dear Joe and to Sylvia's family:

I am so deeply sorry. I cherish memories of working with Sylvia on the Deseret News copy desk in the early '80s. She was lovely, such a gifted writer, and champion of those who suffer. I learned a great deal from Sylvia, and have thought of her often over these many years. May she be at peace and eternal rest.

Sending you love and support, Joe. I know Sylvia was the love of your life.

Fondly,

Holly

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