Samuel Costanzo Obituary

Costanzo, Samuel
Samuel Costanzo of Branford died on Sunday, August 18 at CT Hospice in Branford. He was the husband of Lucia Marino Costanzo of Branford. He was the father of Paul Costanzo (Doreen) of Branford, Saverio Costanzo (Sharland) of Branford, and Maria Marley (Evan) of Nantucket. He was the brother of Tony Costanzo of Southington and Richard Costanzo of Florida. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jessica, Sam Clark, and James. He was predeceased by his brother Sonny Costanzo. Sam was born in Greenwich Village, New York on February 8, 1929, a son of Saverio and Nancy Caionne Costanzo. He had a long illustrious career as a professor of music theory at Quinnipiac University. He composed several works and produced many concerts in the area which featured many notable jazz musicians.
Funeral services and burial will be private. The W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford is in care of arrangements. Please see online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.

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Published by The New Haven Register on Aug. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Costanzo

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12 Entries

Eileen (Marinaro) Cavanaugh

August 15, 2024

Sam was always a gentleman and so kind. When I lived in Branford, he was always" going and doing" things. A Pisano!

MICHAEL FENSTER Quinnipiac class of 1990

June 25, 2022

Sam was one of the best teachers I had at Quinnipiac and I always looked forward to seeing him. I loved talking about music as well as the New York Yankees with him and he will be sorely missed

Terri and Joe Cuticelli

September 2, 2019

Dear Lucy and family. We were so saddened to learn of Sam passing. He certainly etched a place in our hearts and we will always hold all the memories we have of him especially thru high school and on. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this time. In much love
Terri and Joe Cuticelli.

Anthony DeQuattro

August 27, 2019

Sam was one of the first people to take me under his wing when I began my career as a musician in CT. I worked with him for many years as a drummer and as an instructor at QU. He always made me laugh and was always available to talk and offer advice. I will miss him.

Anthony DeQuattro

Fred Rossomando

August 26, 2019

My sincerest sympathies to the entire Costanzo Family.
I knew Sam for over 50 years. From high school to the present.
His many years of teaching at QU are a tribute to his love of music and his students. His bringing the Jazz Festival to Quinnipiac was extraordinary. The names of most of the great jazz musicians of that time is awesome. We all got to see and hear the great ones. He along with his brother Sonny and producer Bill Burns were a positive influence on thousands of students, faculty and the general public.
When I retired from public school teaching, Sam offered me the QU Singers, which he supported continuously over many years. I also got the opportunity to teach many students in the classroom as well with Sam's guidance. We worked together through many projects. He had great stories and a kind heart. Many, including me, will miss him dearly!
Fred Rossomando

August 23, 2019

Lucy &family.. so very sad to have heard of sams passing,, he was a sweet man,, & my dad worked w/him at college. love beth bernard & my father stu bernard..

Christian Luppi

August 22, 2019

My Heartfelt, and Sincere condolences go out to the entire Costanzo family.I first met Sam when I was in high school where I was a classmate of his son Severio. Sam was a professor of mine at Quinnipiac University, where I worked closely with him on the (then) Quinnipiac College Intercolligiate Jazz Festival. I learned so much from Sam, and we produced many wonderful shows, and I will cherish those memories.
May God Bless you Sam! Rest in Peace...

Eileen Cavanaugh

August 22, 2019

I'm sad to hear of Sam's passing. He was a kind and generous person. Many years ago, I approached Sam and his orchestra to perform at an awards banquet and fund raiser for (then) Domestic Violence Services of New Haven. He brought his WHOLE orchestra and for a price WAY below the normal fees. I know Sam is probably playing music with hs brother and making the angels smile.

Peter Steinhardt

August 22, 2019

Sam (AKA "Mr. C") is an important person in my life. He was my high school music teacher and an important example of what creativity and giving could be. I had the opportunity to introduce my son to him and thank him for all he did and meant to many of us.
Rest in Peace, thank you

Maura Coppola

August 21, 2019

Please accept my sincere condolences...I was friends with your wonderful, sweet Sam at QU...May he rest in peace.
Maura Coppola

Joe & Jane Belanger

August 21, 2019

Dear Lucy and family, so sorry to hear this. I just this week I asked a niece to find out how to reach him. We made some very good music together and had many laughs as well. May the Lord hold your hand at this most difficult time.

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