FLORENCE - Stephen M. Constantine, 58, of Hinckley Street, Florence, died suddenly Saturday, May 4, 2013, at his home. Steve was senior lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, teaching writing in the School of Computer Science and the College of Engineering. Over his years at the University he also taught courses in the English, Math and Exercise Science departments. He served as faculty adviser for the UMass chapter of Engineers Without Borders. Steve earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, his master's degree in math at Cornell University, where he taught math for many years and his doctorate in English at the University of Massachusetts. He was a lifelong learner whose current interests included French, Italian and Hindi. For the past 12 seasons, Steve was the beloved coach of the highly accomplished Northampton High School boys swim team. Steve's devotion to his swimmers was evident at each practice and meet, and his good humor and contagious laugh were ever present. During her college breaks, his daughter Becca was at his side on the pool deck coaching swimmers on their technique and tracking meet results. Steve leaves his two daughters, Rebecca Constantine and Alison Maayana Miskin and four granddaughters, Aderet, Nava, Dina and Shira Miskin. He is survived by his mother Dorothy Constantine; his brothers Charles and John Constantine; sisters Elizabeth Constantine and Margaret Porter; and a large extended family. He is also survived by his former wife Ruth Constantine, who welcomes condolences addressed to her daughters at her home at 111 Whittier St., Florence. A summer memorial service in celebration of Steve's life will be announced at a later time. Donations in Steve's memory may be made to the Northhampton High School Swim Team, c/o Athletics Director Jim Miller, Northhampton High School or to Engineers Without Borders or the School of Computer Science undergraduate scholarships fund at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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I did not know Stephen, as a man, but his parents were some of my very dearest friends. The whole Constantine family was very dear to me from my youth. What wonderful people!
Ruth Pugh Gifford Johnson
Friend
November 14, 2018
Late to hear about this very sad news, just today. Steve was such a great kid, knew him in Racine. Loved all the Constantine' kids and Peggy too. The soccer games played on Thanksgivings were the only time we could actually have an equal competition with such an athletic family, largely due to my shorter husband!
Dottie, I know all the Schroder's have you, and the kids in our hearts. So very sorry for your loss
Sarah Schroder Marano
June 16, 2013
Mrs. Constantine - I am so sorry to hear of Steve's death. I remember the days of swimming at the "Y". Please tell Maggie I am thinking of her; trying to find her online without success; I am a dentist in Florida - if she'd contact me using that info in Google, I'd love to hear from her. Love to you all...Linda Johnson
Linda Johnson
May 31, 2013
So sorry to hear of steve's passing. He was a fun classmate in high school, one of the smartest people I've ever met , and an excellent athlete! My sympathies to Steve's family and his swimmers
mark mentch
May 29, 2013
I was a student of Steve's at UMass 10 years ago, and have always remembered him as a particularly engaging professor with a genuine talent for teaching and a wonderful sense of humor, the kind that could put instantly a smile on anyone's face. A few years later, he helped me find a couple of students to intern with my company by talking about the positions in class, and then did the same thing for me again just a month ago. We spoke on the phone for a while, and it was just such a warm, uplifting conversation... he offered some great advice about my newborn son in his usual light-hearted manner. He made me laugh and really put me in a good mood. The last thing I said to him was that I hoped I'd run into him sometime on campus, and I really meant it...
My deepest condolences to all who knew him and loved him.
Jon Leachman
May 29, 2013
I knew Steve from HS at Park High in Racine and he was was a good person. A good hearted soul. Even though he walked around with the letter jacket(I think he lettered in Swimming AND Football) he didn't strut around or act like the conceited "jock". Just a down to earth person, genuine and with a good sense of humor too.
My sincere condolences to his family. As they always say "the good die young" but man, being the same age...that's way too young!!
All can only keep in mind when it's our time, nothing or no one can change that and being a "good soul", he's now rejoined other ones to wait for the rest of us to join him there.
Please find solace and peace in that.
Dan Marry
May 18, 2013
My sincerest sympathy to you Dorothy and Charles and your entire family.
-- from Tara, Joann Zukewich's daughter
Tara Zerzanek
May 16, 2013
Dorothy,
I was saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies.
Lorna Phillips, Pewaukee, WI
May 15, 2013
Dear Dorothy,
I remember him as a beautiful, brilliant rambunctious boy. What an accomplished, productive and fulfilling life he had, rich in meaningful work and surrounded by a loving, extended family. In this heartbreaking time, you are in my thoughts and prayers. With Love, Lise Hilboldt
May 15, 2013
Prof. Constantine was an amazing teacher. He often sparked interesting and important debates about ethical concerns in CS. It's one of the only classes I actually looked forward to getting up and heading to in the morning. The knowledge he passed down will continue to live on within his students, friends, and family. As someone else mentioned, it's just too bad future students will not have the priviledge of having Prof. Constantine as a teacher. I'm very sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered at UMass.
Daniel L.
May 15, 2013
Dorothy, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man.
Judee Dickey
May 14, 2013
We are sorry to hear of your loss. May God Bless Steve with Eternal Life!! Sincerely, Rod & Prue Hermes
May 14, 2013
Dorothy, I am sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Mary Gail Vilmann
May 14, 2013
Dear Rebecca and Alison. I am so very saddened to hear of your dad's passing. I remember you two from remodeling and constructing an addition of your home on Woodlawn Avenue some years ago. During that project, Steve (dad) was most
gregarious. I can mostly recall his smiling face and clever conversations. I wish you two only the best
Rick Dec
Rick Dec
May 12, 2013
He was a nice man, a great coach, a great colleague, and an excellent role model. I will miss him.
Gil Gonsalves (retired ELHS Swim Coach)
May 12, 2013
Steve was a credit to high school swimming. He was a gentlemen in every respect.
Jim O'Donnell
May 12, 2013
I knew Steve thru swimming. We had many long chats poolside. He was fun to be with and always had ranging observations. I think of him as an anchor for this corner of the swimming world. So sorry for his family's loss.
David Stevens
May 11, 2013
One f the classiest guys I have ever had the pleasure to know. He went that "extra mile" to make a difference in the lives he touched. May his family members and friends find comfort knowing he was admired by many of us who interacted with him in the swimming world.
Pat McDiarmid
May 10, 2013
Professor Constantine was the best professor I've had in my 4 years at UMass. He made us think completely outside our realm of comfort and it's sad to think that future students will never have him. But on behalf of all UMass students, I can confidently say that he'll be forever missed and forever remembered as one of the few UMass professors who actually cared.
Vincent Cheung
May 10, 2013
It has been an honor and a privilege to have known Steve all these years and we will look back fondly on so many wonderful shared swim experiences. His dedication, enthusiasm, warmth and humor will be greatly missed. Ruth, Alison, and Rebecca, we are thinking of you. Steve had such a positive impact on so many lives.
The Fleming Family
May 10, 2013
Steveo will be greatly missed. I enjoyed working with him as coach and athletic director. He was always there for the students.
James Miller
May 10, 2013
Dr. Constantine was an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed in the UMass CS and Engineering communities as I'm sure he will in the Northampton swimming community. My deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. I recently received some excellent and thoughtful feedback on my writing for his course--perhaps some of the last such feedback he gave. If anyone would like me to share it, contact me at [email protected] .
Michael Turley
May 10, 2013
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