Joseph William Constantine, formerly of Treasure Island, Florida, and Wethersfield, CT, passed away on May 21st, 2023, in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Joe enters heaven to join his beloved wife Betty C. Constantine, parents Joseph and Emily Constantine, and his sister Patricia Bate. He is terribly missed by his six children: Michael, David (Donna), Brian (Caitlin), Carol Ann Rofrano (Arthur), Jill (Dan Wolsk), and Sandra, and his sister and brother in laws, Bootsie Cambron, George Abell, Joe Abell (Linda), Frank Abell (Diana) and Roger Bate. Also mourning Joe are his thirteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father’s military service and career took the family from Brooklyn, to Houston, Texas and on to Tucson, Arizona, where he graduated from Salpointe High School. Joe enrolled at the University of Louisville, and through the ROTC program he earned his bachelor’s degree and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. During this time, he met Betty on the dance floor of the Doghouse in Louisville. They married in 1958, and together they began a great adventure, having six children over the next seven years.

After completing his active duty and entering the Marine Corp Reserves, Joe earned his master’s degree in education at the University of Kentucky, and began his teaching career in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over the next two decades, Joe progressed in his career from educator to administrator. He earned a certification in counseling at Columbia University in New York City, and moved to Hartford, Connecticut to become the coordinator of guidance for Hartford Public Schools. During this time, Joe continued his education, ultimately earning a Doctorate in Education from Nova University, and he also rose to the rank of Colonel in the Marine Corp Reserves. Joe eventually led both the guidance and health departments for Hartford Public Schools until his retirement in 1994.

Joe was an ever-present husband to Betty and father to their six children. After he and Betty retired, they settled in Treasure Island and spent their time playing tennis, traveling the world, and enjoying the company of their friends. Joe lived in New Jersey for the last several years. His family thanks the loving and attentive care he received from the staff at Artis Senior Living and Parker at Monroe.

Family and friends are invited to join Joe’s family for a mass on Friday, June 2nd, at 10:30am at St. John Vianney Parish in St. Pete Beach, followed by interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to donate to the Marine Corp Toys for Tots Program or the Alzheimer’s Association.