James Costanza

I just found our about Dr. Costanza's passing. He hires me in Westlake 18 years ago. I remember my interview with him and knowing he meant business. I sat in on many meetings with him where he was determined and focused on what was best for kids. He was a true advocate for special needs students. One day I was able to chat with him and he shared stories about his children and was so proud. I felt very lucky to have worked for him and the other phenomenal administrators that hired me. Many...

My condolences to the family. Dr. Constanza Was a dedicated and brilliant educator who gave his service to provide excellence in education to many through his leadership, teaching and mentoring.

Linda Robertson

My condolences to Patty, Mike and Christine. Jim hired me as his secretary at Mentor many years ago. During that time I recognized his dedication to academics through his support of Mentor's Academic Decathlon Team. He changed the venue of the Ohio Decathlon competition to Mentor High School and along with dedicated teachers brought the team to #1 status. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Dr. Costanza was a man of vision and principal. He was tough, but he cared deeply about people and especially children. He took a chance and hired me to run his technology department. I did my very best for him and Mr. Slocum and he was very kind in showing me how much I was appreciated. He taught me how to budget, plan and he had high expectations for everything we did. The districts he led are better because of him and I know I am also. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his...

I was the drama coach at the high school when Dr. Costanza came to Westlake. He promised me we would build a state of the art Performing Arts Center and he fulfilled that promise. He even agreed to a cameo role in the last performance in the old auditorium! I will be forever grateful for his guidance and the support he gave to the performing arts. My heartfelt sympathies to the Costanza family. May your memories carry you through this difficult time.

I was very sad to learn of the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. Jim Costanza was a great leader and mentor. I am grateful to have served as a building administrator with Dr. Costanza as our WCS superintendent. I extend my message of condolences to your family.

My administrative career was started when Dr. Constanza hired me as assistant principal at Mentor Ridge Junior High and I worked with Jack Steinicke, Principal. Jim and Jack were my mentors but Jim put a lot of trust in me and eventually assigned me to be principal at Mentor Shore Junior. He was always my 'boss' but we got along well in sharing our running, kids achievements, and vision for the students and Mentor. It is because of his leadership and encouragement Shore students, staff and...

I knew Jim when he first started teaching at Kirk Junior High in East Cleveland. We would go to Friday night Shaw football games then for a beer afterwards. At that time he taught Social Studies and I taught Science. He was a great guy sorry to read about his passing.

This was the last time I saw Dr. Costanza. It was for Mark Pepera's going away party on June 30, 2016. When I first started at Westlake City Schools, Dr. Costanza was Superintendent. I remember being somewhat intimidated by him for the longest time, but he was a sweet man who loved his family and loved to travel. We talked fondly of the Tauck Tours that he took with Patty. After he lost his secretary, Barb Tremaine, I would occasionally fill in when needed. I must say that deciphering...