Victor Carmine Costanzo

Victor Carmine Costanzo (Vic) passed away on July 9, 2016 at the age of 75.

Vic was born June 2, 1941, in New Rochelle, New York, the third of eight children to Carmine and Rose Costanzo. He spent much of his life in Santa Cruz, California where he attended public schools and graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1959. 

Victor received his Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force in 1965. While serving, he received certificates relating to radar and aviation systems, which enabled him to work on aircraft being deployed to Viet Nam.

After his military service, he pursued an education in Electrical Engineering, receiving his Associate in Science Degree at Cabrillo College in 1965, and his Bachelor of Science Degree at San Jose State University. He continued his education at San Diego State University, taking additional classes in engineering. In his freshman year, Victor competed for a position on the SDS Crew Team.  He amazed coaches with his strength, and was selected to row in their varsity boat - something that rarely happens. From a very young age it was clear that Victor possessed the knowledge and interest to excel in his profession, and the strength to accomplish anything he set out to perform. 

After graduating from college, he worked In the San Francisco Bay Area as a Senior Technical Writer for such companies as Philco Ford, GTE Sylvania, Westinghouse, and LSI Logic. Many of his projects were defense electronics related. Victor relocated to the Sacramento area in 2003, and was hired by Fluor Alaska, Inc. to work on the Ground-Based Mid-Course Missile Defense Project at FT. Greely, Alaska. His exemplary performance was noted by his peers and superiors alike.

Victor met his wife, Frances, while working at GTE Sylvania in Mountain View, CA, and they were married in May 1981.  He raised his step-son, Joey, from the age of 2. Vic enjoyed many years of involvement in education and sports with Joey. He guided Joey through soccer, football, and track.  Vic became president of the Appaloosa Track Club, and president of the Alum Rock Soccer League, both in San Jose, CA, while Joey participated in these sports.

In 1988, Victor and Frances gave birth to their daughter, Victoria.  A span of 15 years between the two children, Victor found himself starting over with his daughter in education and sports.  Vicki played soccer and volleyball, and rowed crew, all of which Vic enjoyed being involved with. He was very proud of both children and their accomplishments. 

Victor and Frances lived in San Jose, California from 1981 to 2001, Belmont, California from 2001 to 2003, Folsom, California from 2003 to 2013.  They relocated to Rancho Cordova, California where Victor was living at the time of his passing.

One of the things that mattered most to Victor was his family. He moved from New Rochelle, New York when he was eight years old, and lived in Santa Cruz, California with his family until 1981. He is survived by his wife Frances and daughter Victoria Costanzo of  Rancho Cordova, CA, his step son Joseph Coddington, daughter-in-law Suzanne, and grandsons Chase and Riley of San Jose, CA, his sisters Susan, Josephine, and Dorothy of Santa Cruz, CA, his brothers Robert, and Anthony of North Carolina, and Donald of San Jose, CA. His brother John died of cancer in 2003. Victor’s family also consists of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws.  His family is all very loving and supportive of each other.  Vic enjoyed talking and being with them often.

Victor was a very strong person.  He never complained, or asked “why me?” Instead, he continued to fight until the end, saying “I’m going to beat this and get strong again.” He inspired everyone in his life to live each day to the fullest. Even when his health was declining rapidly, he talked about getting some land and growing a garden.

Victor was predeceased by his parents Carmine and Rose, as well as his brother John who died in November 2003. 

If Vic were here to speak to us he would remind each of us to be patient with each other, say something kind to one another every day, laugh every day and make a difference in this world.

A small Military Memorial Service will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA on Friday, 07/22/2016 at 10:00am.

A Mass will be held on Saturday, 07/23/2016 at 11:00am at Holy Cross Church, 126 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA., followed by a Celebration of Life at Dorothy and George Escobar’s home immediately afterwards.  Their address is:  233 Rigg Street, Santa Cruz.  All are welcome.

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