Pedro "Pat" Constance

Pedro Constance

DOVER - On March 19th, 2015, Pedro "Pat" Constance of Dover, finally took that trip to Never Never Land that he was always singing about.

Born in Dover, on July 6, 1924, to Costas and Stavroula (Papalevizos) Constantopoulos; he lived a very active and memorable 90 years. A veteran of World War II, he left service with a rank of Corporal in 1945. Just last year, Pat was honored locally with a "Quilt of Valor" for his service as a 'cargo bombardier' with the 9th Army Air Corps. Once back home from military service; a remarkable work ethic kept him busy, from early years at Davis Vocational and Strafford Appliance, and culminating with 35 years at Somersworth GE.

He started 1948 out right by marrying Catherine Lefebvre on January 3rd. Over the years, Honeydip and her little Greek god would often be seen hand-in-hand, strolling through town. They raised a strong, successful family and enjoyed traveling. They were fortunate enough to be able to visit friends and family all over the world.

Made of the stuff of local legend, Pat was a staple in the Dover community. As one of the original coaches of Dover South Side Minor & Little League baseball, he created a fundamentals clinic for kids before they even reached Minor League age. It didn't matter if you were a girl, or if you didn't have a glove, or if you weren't considered a 'natural' talent. If you wanted to play ball, he was going to make sure you learned how to play ball. In fact, even if you didn't want to play ball … you would be playing ball. He didn't stop at just being involved for his family, he went on to coach for more than 40 years. If he wasn't coaching, he was helping local Cub & Boy Scout den members earn their badges, marching with them in parades, and going camping. And if you grew up in the South Pine/Court St. neighborhood during the 50s and 60s you probably joined in one of his Saturday trips to The Strand or Uptown theaters.

A man of many attributes: (yes, it's true, he made a sleek handlebar mustache look fashionable decades before it actually was) he enjoyed nothing more than to abide by an established daily routine that included; coffee at one of his familiar restaurants, a walk to Harvey's to meet up with the 'Golden Girls', word puzzles by the TV, and card games. If you had reason to call him on the phone, you would find out that you were actually calling Heaven and being questioned as to which angle you might be looking for. A little whimsy that didn't seem quite as endearing after putting his family through a heart health scare in 2003. As it turned out, at the time … it didn't matter how many laps a day that he put in at the pool at The Works, an always stocked and hidden stash of Reese's Cups, cheese, and Pepsi was going to catch up to him.

Pat leaves his devoted wife of 67 years, Catherine. His sister Dee Potter of Newport, R.I. As well as his four sons; Alexander and wife Rebecca of Palm Bay, Fla.; Patrick of Mesa, Ariz.; Robert and wife Pam of Somersworth; Richard and wife Valerie of Dover. He also leaves grandchildren; Alex (Melissa), Bree, Wendi (Doug), Damion (Elizabeth), and Stacy (Matt). And "Papou" says goodbye to 10 great-grandchildren; Taylor, Andrew, Julia, Olivia, Jillian, Tyler, Shamus, Ava, Rogan & Norah. Among his many cherished nephews, nieces, in-laws, waitresses, and penny-poker buddies; he also leaves a special nephew Jim Cole, his wife Doreen, and their family. Although, he may very well be missed the most by the American Red Cross, as it's not every day that you find someone who has donated 18 gallons of blood over their lifetime! Pat was predeceased by his siblings; Alexander, George, William, Frank, Virginia, Chris, Ann, and Betty. A granddaughter Maggie, and a grandson (in-law) Brian.

Dad-Grampa-Papou-Pat; we love you and we'll miss you, but you taught us well and in your honor we will "take our coffee in a cup" and definitely "keep behaving" … all while "holding down the fort". But most importantly, we will never ever forget to "keep our eyes on the ball".

Calling hours are Sunday March 22nd from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at Parish of the Assumption, St. Mary Church, corner of Third & Chestnut Sts. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to Wentworth Homecare &Hospice, 121 Broadway #115, Dover, N.H. 03820, or American Red Cross, 3 Webb Pl, Dover, N.H. 03820-2462.

Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the online guest book.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.