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Thomas Constantine Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Constantine
Sponsored by The Constantine children.
Rich Oakley
April 29, 2024
As we approach the date of Tom Constantine's passing.l stopped by to say that you will never be forgotten.
Continue to rest easy, my friend.
catherine harnett
April 29, 2023
I thought of you on The 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday accords. Good work! Catherine
fred demma
April 30, 2021
We will never forget Tom's contribution to keeping the people of NYS safe and in particular the Utica/Rome area.
Terry O'Neill
April 29, 2021
O, Tom. I remember that every time you entered a room there was an electricity that shot through us all. You were the most exciting guy to know in our time. You made law enforcement a great undertaking. I miss you terribly.
Richard T Oakley
April 29, 2021
I am remembering my time with Administrator Constantine. I was his first special assistant. We shared stories about work and families.
I will always cherish out time together.
God Bless.
catherine harnett
April 30, 2019
How I would love talking politics with you now. The word 'nitwit' was one of your favorites, and I'm sure there are plenty of times you'd use it these days. Thank you for your friendship as well as your leadership. You were/are a big part of my life. Love Catherine
PS. Although I do not miss 'I'll know it when I see it.'
Richard Oakley
April 29, 2019
I often find myself reflecting on my relationship with Administrator Constantine! I have an autographed photo from him along with other mementos I received from him during my service as his special assistant!
He will never be forgotten!
God Bless the Constantine family.
James Benisek
September 4, 2015
Mr. Constantine, I was proud to serve as a DEA Agent under your leadership. You had a tough job as DEA Administrator and you gave it your all. May God Bless you.
James McNamara
May 31, 2015
Tommy,
"....honest and tough.", "...committed and demanding."
Gravitas was one of the Roman virtues, along with pietas, dignities and virtus. It may be translated variously as weight, seriousness, dignity and importance and connotes a certain substance or depth of personality. I did not know what to call it, but knew it was looking back at me every time we shook hands and our eyes met. To the above attributes, I will add 'thoughtfulness.'
He retired and went to Washington. A few years later, I retired and went to California. 8 years pass and out of the blue, the phone rings, "Jimmy, Tom Constantine. Dave Luitweiler and I will be in San Diego for a conference. Let's get together for lunch." Another 8 years pass with no further contact. Our son Jim succumbs to a fatal disease. The phone rings. It's Tom Constantine, extending his condolences!
Our condolences to you, your Mom and family.
Jim & Alicia McNamara
Fred Aron
May 20, 2015
To the Constantine Family
I was a member of the first Basic School Class under Lt.Tom Constantine's command. He made a lasting impression on me then, as well as throughout his SP career, and all his law
enforcement endevours. His leadership and friendship constantly inspired a sense of purpose and mission. I am forever greatfull to him, for the role he played in my rewarding 32 years of NYSP service. I share in your saddness, for the loss of a great Trooper and a great man!
May 12, 2015
To the whole Constantine family. I offer you my condolences and share your sadness. My years working with him were so special and memorable, and the lessons I learned are indelible. He was honest and tough--many people have already said that---and devoted to all of you, from Ruth to the littlest of his grandchildren. He talked about you so much and I always thought how special it must be to have a father and grandfather like him. I was honored to work with him as he made DEA stronger, and communities safer. So much happened on his watch, too many accomplishments to list. Last year Tom called me and said Facebook told him it was my birthday; Facebook and Tom? You can teach an old dog new tricks! So I join all of you in mourning his loss and I know that his presence will be felt for a long time. Bless all of you. Much love, Catherine Harnett
James R. Frezzell
May 9, 2015
Kevin and Family, my Condolences.
Colleen Nugent
May 9, 2015
Kathy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, my prayers are with you and the family.
Colleen from the Women's House in Granville.
May 8, 2015
Supt. Constantine was in charge of my NYSP basic school academy. During my 20 years in the NYSP we became good friends. He always took a personal interestin those who were in his academy classes. He was a great mentor and a role model in law enforcement. I will always be indebted to him for the success I had in my career with the NYSP. My condolences to the Constantine family. R.I.P.
Major Howie Allen, Troop D Commander retired
Kelvis Melo
May 8, 2015
I am proud to have known a man with the integrity displayed by Tom Constantine throughout his life and career and proud to call him my Superintendent. May god afford you the peace and protection you worked tirelessly to provide others in this life.
Jim Morgan
May 8, 2015
To the Constantine family, Jean and I offer our sincere condolences for the loss of a great person and friend.
Jim Morgan
Retired SAC
DEA Chicago
Andy and Colleen de la Rocha
May 8, 2015
Constantine family;
Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you in this very sad time. I've always had the upmost respect for Mr. Constantine and was thrilled he offered to be a character reference for my application to the FBI. That pride was only surpassed when he stood on the stage at my Quantico graduation and handed me my badge and credentials. That photo has been with me ever since. He was a law enforcement warrior, keen mentor and an inspiration for many like me. I was blessed to have had the chance to be influenced by him. May the good Lord rest his soul. God bless you all.
Hugh & Vaughn Nevin
May 7, 2015
Ruth & family: our sincerest condolences, with memories of living across the street from each other on Phoenix Ave. Tom's work in Northern Ireland was a special source of pride for us.
William O'Shaughnessy
May 7, 2015
Tom and I were friends in the old neighborhood in Buffalo. And Mario Cuomo who knew of my admiration for Tom called me late one night to tell me that Tom's Swearing-in and Installation ceremony as DSP Superintendent was the most "touching and inspiring" event he attended as governor. He was a great Trooper and a wonderful fellow. WO
Tom and Kathy DiMezza
May 7, 2015
To the entire Constantine Family,
Our deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you at this time of sorrow. May God be at your side while you take the time to grieve.
Marvin Marable
May 7, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Constantine family. I first met Superintendent Constantine in basic school at the New York State Police Academy, when he was a Lieutenant in charge of the basic school. He was well respected and a model for all of the recruits that graduated from the 125th and 126th session of the Academy in 1974. Rest in peace, you will be truly missed.
Bill Mohr
May 7, 2015
Our deepest condolences to the Constantine family. I attended Erie Community College and Buff State with Tom and always admired his mastery of our courses. Later I met up with again when I joined DCJS and attended the same occasional meetings. May God meet Tom at the gates of Heaven and keep the family in His loving arms during this great time of sorrow.
Tami Stewart
May 7, 2015
My deepest sympathies go out to the Constantine family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa, I will always remember on Christmas Eve it was always me, Kevin and your Dad watching White Christmas which we all agreed was the best holiday movie ever. Like the movie, he was a classic. What a great man who achieved so much in his life. His big, beautiful family is his legacy.
Tom Louizou
May 7, 2015
USDOT-NHTSA could have no better partner than Supt. Constantine (ret.) His vision and passion for traffic safety innovation was unequaled.
Tom Constantine speaking at the dedication of the Gray Rider Monument, Sept. 30, 1993
Terry O'Neill
May 7, 2015
"We were looking for excitement and adventure." So said Tom Constantine in an interview he gave to a State University publication when he joined the Faculty of Rockefeller College School of Public Affairs and Policy in 1999. He was talking of his motivation to go into police work in 1960. He got plenty of both and those of us who were privileged to serve with him got our share as well. He was a grave and serious man when it came to his responsibilities as a cop, but he was also charismatic, enthusiastic and fun to be with. I will always consider him to be my biggest ant strongest and best friend.
In November 1993 Tom and the late Charlie Mills headed up a memorable street level drug sweep in Schenectady's Hamilton Hill. The next morning, Albany Times Union columnist Fred LeBrun wrote that unless we address the underlying causes of drug dependency and crime, "six months from now we'll be wondering what Constantine's circus on Hamilton Hill was all about." "Constantine's Circus" became the title of a little book of poems about safety, crime prevention and respect and appreciation for law enforcement officers. (See: http://www.constantinescircus.org/book.htm
Here is the lyric of a bagpipe tune I wrote for him in the early 1990s. The title comes from the fact that Tom has always been especially proud to have been the first superintendent in more than a generation to have come up through the ranks of the NYSP.
Anyone who was around on the night of April 30, 1990 will remember how Tom personally led a large force of Troopers onto the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation to put a stop to communal violence that had erupted there that day.
Unforgettable.
THE TROOPERINTENDENT
When it comes to fighting crime and keeping peace,
No one does it better than the State Police.
Folks, I'm talking 'bout that Long, Gray Line
And that famous Trooper Tom Constantine.
Tom's a Trooper Super; first in thirty years.
When he got the job this outfit shifted gears.
Now we're cookin' at the collarin' of crooks
Prompting new editions of the record books.
The Superintendent is mighty hard to please.
He's got those Troopers dotting i's and crossing t's.
In the field, best mind your p's and q's
Or I'd rather not be standing in your shoes!
The Superintendent's tough and hard as nails.
Tangle with him, boy, you've got a tiger by the tail.
So if in New York you're inclined to do a crime
You had best anticipate some prison time.
If the state had got a dollar for ev'ry Tommy-collar
Deficits would disappear or be a whole lot smaller.
From Tom's collection a selection you can draw
One for every section of the Penal Law.
If Tom had been in Eden when the Devil tempted Eve,
There'd be no need for Eve to leave or dress in fig tree leaves.
We'd forgo our clothes and not eat apple pies
'cause the Devil's handcuffed and Miranda-ized.
Coughlin's wailin': "Tom, I've got no room!"
Tom says: "Coughlin, away with all that gloom and doom.
Build more prisons; as many as you need
And I'll pay for them with all the loot I've seized!"
Ask the Mohawks the story that they tell
'bout the time the sky above 'em almost fell.
To the rescue, the Long, Gray Line.
And riding point, Tom Constantine.
And here are two more stories I wrote about him over the years. One tells of how he came to give up a romantic career as a far-travelled sea captain to be a State Trooper instead and the other tells of one of the memorable police operations he oversaw in his hometown of Buffalo in 1992.
Tom's Home Run http://www.constantinescircus.org/bkch08.htm
A Plebe's Tale http://www.constantinescircus.org/plebe.htm
May 7, 2015
Dad - Through the good times as well as the trying, your love remained constant and abundant. You will remain forever in my heart. You truly are Unforgettable.
Lisa
May 7, 2015
Ruth and all the family our deepest sympathy to you all he will be remembered with great joy Joanne and Jan Zaadoorian
Patty
May 6, 2015
Remember always Dad ... You're the best!
Me with a little less hair and fee pounds lighter
Rich Oakley
May 6, 2015
Dear Ruth and family: I was shocked and saddened to learn of Tom's passing.When Tom became DEA Admistrator, I was first DEA agent to work on his staff. I was the special asistant. You may have heard my name around the house:"Rich Oakley." Tom was a good man.He took pictures with my three daughters in the office. They remember well.When my younger brother passed in February of 1996. Tom sent me a very personal note of expression.
I will miss him.
May God Bless and keep you.
Please accept my condolences.
Rich Oakley
Roland Vaughn
May 6, 2015
Ruth and family, what a great man and friend. Susan and I will always cherish your friendship and I will particularly miss Tom's wisdom, advice and conversation! What a tragic loss! You are in our prayers.
May 6, 2015
Tom & family, we are so sorry for your loss, please accept our deepest condolences.
Mike and Joy Minogue
Wilson Miller
May 6, 2015
LT.TOM CONSTANTINE was the Officer in Charge of the NYSP Acadeny when I graduated in 1974, the 126th class which had the first female troopers. I later spoke with "TOM" which he insisted on being called, after he became Superentendant sometime prior to him joining the Drug Task Force. He took the time to discuss my returning to the job after several years of seeking higher education. To the family please accept my deepest sympathies and I pray that GOD will send the comforter during these difficult times.
Respectfully,
Wilson E. Miller, & Family
68 Seneca rd, Albrightsville, PA 18210
cell # (570) 242-6752 W:(570) 517-3047 Investigator, Monroe County Public Defender
fred demma
May 6, 2015
Ruth and Family ,our prayers are with you.Central New York is a much safer place due to Tom's great work with NYSP,DEA and the DNI.Will miss him greatly.Fred and Marilyn Demma
Midge Sawyer
May 6, 2015
To the Constantine family...I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing..my prayers and sympathy are with all of you....Tom was an amazing man...he will be missed by his State Police family.....HUGS
John. P Mudri
May 6, 2015
My condolences to mr Constantine,s family. Came to know him while he was Administrator of DEA. Serving as a supervisor under his administration. May he rest in peace and see the Lord.
John P Mudri
Brian Conway
May 6, 2015
Sincere sympathies from Ireland - the people of Ireland owe a huge debt of gratitude to Tom Constantine for the determined effort and professional diligence he brought to the reform of policing in Northern Ireland a decade ago. May his soul rest in peace, and may he enjoy the fruits of heaven.
May 6, 2015
Ruth and Family,
Tom and I graduated the State Police Academy together, and 25 years later he signed my certificate of retirement.
Rest well, old friend. You have earned it. I will remember.
Victor La Plante
Kirsten
May 5, 2015
Kevin (& family),
My deepest sympathy to each of you during this difficult time. May God's peace help comfort you.
Kevin, I never got a chance to say thank you for visiting my mom (Tony's sister -many yrs ago @ Brighams) It meant a lot to each of us.
...One day we will see them again.
Roy and Jean Berlinquette
May 5, 2015
It with great sadness that Jean and I heard of Tom's recent death. I knew him as Chair of the Northern Ireland Oversight Commission where I had the honour to work for him over 3 1/2 years. He was a man always willing to share his experiences and knowledge, helping to build the bigger picture. Yes, he was a committed and demanding person, but generous with his knowledge , always seeking that little bit of extra information. I will remember him for his helpful, friendly, cheerful personality. My condolences to Ruth and family and friends. He will certainly be missed but will be remembered.
Marina Taylor
May 5, 2015
Condolences to your entire family. I met Mr. Constantine when I was employed at the Rockefeller Institute of Gorvernment. A very unique gentleman. He will be sorely missed.
Dick & Joani Reynolds
May 5, 2015
Joani and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Constantine family. We share your grief and pray God's blessing finds you and comforts you all. We will miss Tom.
Pam Minogue Moore
May 5, 2015
My deepest sympathies Tom and family on the passing of your dad.
Al and Dianna Hutchinson
May 5, 2015
Sincere sympathy to you Ruth and to your family. We were very privileged to have met and worked with Tom and your family. Your visits to Northern Ireland are fond remembrances. Tom has left an indelible mark on the world for a life well lived. He will be greatly missed.
Tim Judge
May 5, 2015
On behalf of the Judge family our sincere condolences. My father the late Dr. Harry Judge was a NYS Police physician and always spoke so highly of Superintendent Constantine. I remember meeting Mr. Constantine with my dad at the State Police Academy many years ago. Keeping all of the Constantine family in our thoughts and close to heart.
May 5, 2015
Dear Ruth and the Constantine Family,
I knew your Dad from the second grade ( I was in eighth grade) at St Vincent de Paul School in Buffalo. That would be close to 70 years ago. We lost contact until sometime in the 1960's.
When the Constantine's and the Cantys moved to the Schenectady area. We reunited our friendship at that time. He was a loyal Buffalonian and loved to talk about growing up on Loring Ave.in Buffalo and about St Vincent de Paul Parish and School. At the Fun Run one year, right after I had become a Patroon, he said to me wouldn't Sister Florence (the principal at St. Vincent's school) be proud that two of her students became Schenectady Patroons.
I shall miss those chats that I had with your Dad.
- The thoughts and prayers of the Canty family are with each of you at this time.
Ed Canty
Joan Phillis
May 5, 2015
Mrs. Constantine and Family, Please accept my sincerest condolences. It was an honor and privilege to have known and worked (NYSP) for such a admirable gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David Lemerise
May 5, 2015
Your dedication and professionalism will always be an example for others to emulate. Your sense of humor and fairness was a pleasure to be around. RIP Tom.May God bless you and your family always.
Joe Olander
May 5, 2015
It was my honor and pleasure to serve with such a dedicated and sincere man. Rest in peace, Tom.
William E Miller
May 5, 2015
I first met Supt. Constantine when i was a recruit in the 124th Session at the State Police Academy. If it weren't for him i might not have been able to fulfill my lifelong dream of wearing the Trooper's uniform on graduation day in 1973. He remembered me 20 years later when we both marched in the St Patricks Day parade and I will never forget him until we meet again someday. Rest in Peace Tom.
William E. Miller
Ret. Trooper
New York State Police
Colleen McMahon-Westphal
May 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Colleen
Christine
May 5, 2015
I miss you more and more as the days go by. You will forever be in my heart grandpa.
Mike McNulty
May 5, 2015
Ruth and Family: Tom was a great person and a good friend. I am very sorry for your loss.
donald greeley
May 5, 2015
Tom, Remember us as you did in life when you arrive at the Pearly Gates. R.I.P. Don
Kevin Constantine
May 5, 2015
I love and will miss you forever Dad...Kevin
Dr Lowell Levine
May 5, 2015
A GIANT of a man. He will certainly be missed.
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