Michael Edward Costanza Sr.

On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, Michael Edward Costanza, Sr. gained his eternal reward.

Mass of the Resurrection and Recitation of The Holy Rosary: The funeral mass will be held Monday, February 22, 2021 with a recitation of the holy rosary beginning at 10:00 and the mass beginning at 10:30 at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5953 Bowman Roberts Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76179 and will be live streamed  on their website at www.sttafw.org.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made to the building fund at St. Thomas the Apostle at www.sttafw.org.

He led an extraordinary life, brimming with precious blessings including a story-tale 50 year marriage to his bride Mary, three loving children, and eight adoring grandchildren.  Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he lived his adult life in Fort Worth, Texas.

Mike served nine years in the United States Army, completing two tours in Vietnam, seeing direct combat which left him a 100% disabled veteran.   He earned multiple commendations while in the Service, only a few including the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medals, Vietnam Campaign Medals, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and several Army commendation medals.  He served the Army as a Drill Instructor, was a sharp shooter who was a member of the Olympic Army Marksmanship Team, was a munitions expert, and finally an Army recruiter.  His 9 years of service to the US Army, with three overseas tours, earned him countless other commendations and awards.

Mike spent his professional life as a fixture in the Fort Worth Real Estate Community as a Broker and Investor.   He was very active as a property owner in the Fort Worth Stockyards as well, serving to preserve the rich history of the “Yards” as he would refer to them.  Though born and raised in New Orleans, Mike held great pride in the rich history of Fort Worth.

As a devout Catholic and Third Degree Knight of Columbus, Mike was proud to share in the friendships and charitable work the Knights would often participate.  He would be found behind the grill at any fundraiser, giving friendship and, when needed, guidance to his other Knight Brothers.  He was active in his church community at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Fort Worth, giving freely of his time and treasure.  He and his wife, Mary, were regular contributors to many other charities including their favorite, the All Children’s Home in Fort Worth.  Mike’s generosity was fueled by his love for others.

Though Mike only had three children born to him, there are countless others whom he has played the role of father to in one way or another.  Many men and women looked to Mike as a mentor, a father-figure, and a friend. He would often be found giving loving guidance and acceptance to anyone whom needed it.  He loved these others as his own children and always had open arms to accept them in whatever life circumstances they found themselves. He accepted anyone who came to him and treated them as his own.

In the midst of this extraordinary life, Mike’s greatest success was his 50 year marriage to Mary, the love of his life, “his girl,” as he would call her.  He would beam with pride as he told everyone who would listen that he had been with his wife for 69 years, as they were born next door to one another and were childhood sweethearts from a very tender age.  Theirs was a romance unrivaled in this modern day, and they leaned on one another and drew strength from their love to build an awe-inspiring life.  Their loving union brought about three children and eight grandchildren whom Mike delighted to spend all of his free time with.  He was a strong but gentle father who guided his children in the right direction and taught them the power of family, and an attentive grandfather who could routinely be found playing with all of his grandchildren, meeting them at their interests and levels.

Although Mike’s passing leaves an incalculable void in the life of his family and friends, especially his bride Mary, they take comfort in knowing that after the devout and good life he lived, loving everyone with the love of Christ,  he was met with the greeting “Well done my good and faithful servant…come share in your master’s joy.” Matthew 25:23

He is preceded in death by his father, Matthew Joseph Costanza and mother, Mary Maggie Cutrer, his sister Rose Marie Costanza, brothers Vincent Matthew and John Anthony Costanza, and grandson Dominic Kilian Pio Short.

Survivors:  He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Mary Frances Costanza; his children, Michael Edward Costanza Jr. and his significant other, Ceslyn Renee Mathis; daughter, Tabbatha Lynn, and her husband, David Michael Konen; daughter, Chasity Rebecca and her husband, Michael Patrick Short.  He leaves behind his living grandchildren, including Leah Frances Costanza, Samantha Marie and Madison Michael Konen, Anthony Michael, Jacob Donald, Mary Grace, and Kolbe Francis Short.  He also leaves behind his brother, Matthew Joseph and his wife, Ada Iris Costanza, cousin, George Anthony Williams III, and numerous other family members including beloved sisters-in-law, a great uncle and aunt, nieces, and nephews.