Today we rejoice in knowing that our loving Mother is forever at home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who she so faithfully served all of her life.
Josephine Mecca Costanzo, 95 years old, of Dunmore, Pa., passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2014, while surrounded by her family. Josephine was the wife of the late Michael Costanzo and together for more than 59 years, they enjoyed a remarkable love and companionship. Her three children will always know that there is no love like their Mother's love. Her five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and her extended family and friends have been touched by her grace and loving spirit. Josephine spent her lifetime caring and praying for others, and her sincere compassion for others is unforgettable by those who knew her.
Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William and Anna Bonavoglia Mecca. In 1936, she was a member of the last graduating class of the old Dunmore Senior High School on South Apple Street. She was instrumental in assisting her husband and others in the founding of Grace Bible Church in Dunmore.
Beginning with weekly meetings in their home, the congregation grew and moved to the Gardner Mission in Scranton and eventually led to the construction of the Grace Bible Church on O'Neill Highway, Dunmore. She served the church in a variety of capacities over 50 years as Sunday school teacher, pianist, soloist, choir member and with the ladies missionary society.
Additionally, she taught "Good News Clubs" in her home through Child Evangelism. Daily devotions and reading her Bible were integral parts of her life. She enjoyed gardening and was well-known for cooking her Italian recipes and making many varieties of homemade cookies for friends and family. She enjoyed entertaining family, friends, guest speakers and missionaries in her home. Josephine was a devoted and loving wife, mother and sister who adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her sweet smile and gentle nature will be sadly missed, while her memory and testimony will remain in our hearts forever.
Josephine is survived by her beloved children: daughter, Evelyn Kettell and husband, David, Clarks Green, Pa.; and sons, Michael D. Costanzo and wife, Lynn, Powell, Ohio; and Ken Costanzo and wife, Linda of Greenville, S.C.; grandchildren, Chris Hutchison and wife, Sara; Michael J. Costanzo and wife, Jodi; Kristin Verrill and husband, Dr. Matt Verrill; Kenneth D. Costanzo; and Kaitlyn Ross and husband. Kaleb; great-grandchildren, Hailey Jo and Mia Hutchison, Grace and Rachel Costanzo, Makayla, Caroline, Jacob and Joshua Verrill; her dear sister, Jane Seeger and husband, Bill, also survive her. She also has several surviving nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Three sisters, Anna Roman, Angelina Costanzo and Esther Falzone; and two brothers, Angelo Mecca and Vincent Mecca, preceded her in death.
Our family would like to thank the employees of Élan Gardens for their special care and the love they gave to our dear mother over her last years.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 28, at 11 a.m. with services at Grace Bible Church, 130 University Drive, Dunmore, officiated by Rev. Terry Ribble. The family will receive friends and family that morning between the hours of 10 and 11 at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Bible Church, 130 University Drive, Dunmore, PA 18512. Arrangements are by the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., Dunmore.
To offer an online condolence, please visit www.dun
morefuneralhome.com
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4 Entries
May 30, 2014
Marion & Bill Durdach
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. We know you loved her very much.
May 28, 2014
Dan and Brenda Tarr
I am so sorry we couldn't make the funeral. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Josephine was a living example of a servant of God. I will always remember her for her gentle, kind, sweet and loving spirit and willingness to serve. We look forward to seeing her again! The Mecca's and Costanzo's have left a wonderful godly legacy as an example for us to follow. They are missed.
May 27, 2014
Kent Kettell
It is with fond memories that we say goodbye for now with full hope and assurance that we will meet again in Heaven. During my formative years in the late 60's at Grace Bible, many Constanzo's and Mecca's served in the childrens' ministry, pointing the youth toward the truth's of God's love found in the Bible. The legacy Mrs. Constanzo leaves behind resides in those who listened to her kind words and chose to follow hard after the same truths she made evident in her life.
May 26, 2014
starlette topa
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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