Gary P. Costanzo
June 17, 1953 – August 18, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Gary P. Costanzo announces his passing on August 18, 2020. Gary was born on June 17, 1953 in Hoboken, NJ, where he was raised until his move to Maryland. He attended Mount Saint Mary’s College. Gary was an employee of the Navy Department with the Department of Defense. Gary played for three Rugby teams, The PAX River Lions where he was a past President and Vice President, the Washington Poltroons (an old boys historic Rugby club known as “The Troons”) and The Calvert Rugby Club. Those who knew him knew his never ending passion for rugby, his amazing sense of humor and the big heart he had for those he loved. Gary will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his children, Amber L. Costanzo-Tucker (son in law, Shawn Tucker) and Ryan A. Costanzo. Gary will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Connor, Fiona, Ava, Enzo and great grandchild, Leo, cousin, but more like a sister, Terry Dearden (husband, Ed Dearden), including all of his cousins, nieces, other family and countless friends. Gary was predeceased by his mother Elise F. Costanzo, his father Peter S. Costanzo and his brother Ronald T. Costanzo.
The memorial will be held privately by immediate family, due to unfortunate Covid guidelines.
Flowers may be sent to Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mount Harmony Ln., Owings, MD 20736 before Sunday August 23, 2020.
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- Private
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Gus and I almost ran as a ticket for Pres/VP of Student Givernment. It took me a moment to reconnect Gary as Gus because he seldom used Gary. I didn’t know he was in the area or I’d have reached out to him. I thought he returned to NJ after 1975. He was a great guy and like Jim Madigan, gone much too soon.
Gary was known as Yoda by the younger guys on the team, for he was wise in the ways of Life and Rugby and always gave good advice, not always taken, but always appreciated! Gone too soon my friend and you leave a hole that will not soon be filled. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
We haven’t seen cousin Gary in many years. His Dad Uncle Pete, the greatest man I ever knew, was my best man at our wedding some 58 years ago in Hoboken, NJ. I’m sure the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Gary like Uncle Pete, Aunt Ellie, and Ronnie left this world much too soon. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family members and all those touched by him. May he rest in peace.
Dear Gary,
You were a great cousin for your entire life. We remember fondly the many weekends you spent with us while we lived in Maryland during your college years. We shared a love of music and we’ll always remember you truly discovering and sharing Bruce Springsteen’s music long before he became famous. (smile).
Gary, you were brave and independent, loyal and loving. We can all learn a lesson about how to live life embracing with passion the things we love and never giving up hope. You are gone too soon but your fighting spirit will stay with everyone who ever knew you forever.
With Much Much Love,
Wayne & Beth Gowen
My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. I played rugby with Gary on the Washington Poltroons rugby team. He was a tough rugger on the pitch but off it a really nice and friendly guy. Gary, we’ll miss you, and hope to see you on the other side… where no doubt you’re already again playing the game made in Heaven and saving us all a few rounds of beer!
Gary,
Your passing is much too early, but you are now reconnected with your family.
Your smile and gift of gab provided us with enjoyment for many years. I was so happy for you as you did get to see your New Orleans Saints win a super bowl after many years rooting them on.
We will miss you and we send our condolences to Amber and Ryan.
Love
Bill and Maryann Gowen
Cousin Gary….our first cousin ! And the first cousin I ever knew. We spent a lot of time as kids growing up in Hoboken. Mostly at Grandma Jennie Costanzo’s house at Sunday dinner. We learned our manners at her dinner table. We had fun playing in the yard, and at your family home in Parlin.
Always very definite about things and very strong willed on every issue. A precursor to his beloved Rugby career I think.
A good man like his Dad , my Uncle Pete. Aunt Ellie saw to that. She educated my brother Pete and I as well on our summer vacation stays with them. Loved them. We Will miss you dearly as we miss all that are taken too soon .
Love Ya Cuz !
My wife Tracy and I worked with Gary for 20 years, and it was never a dull moment with his blunt yet incredibly funny perspectives on life and people. It’ll be difficult not seeing him, talking to him or hearing him on the other side of the cube, but we’ll never forget how much he made work and life a better place. Thanks Gary for everything, especially showing me how to set the bar low in order to avoid being disappointed by the people around me 😉 Rest In Peace paisan….
I worked with Gary for over 15 years. He was a mentor to me and he nicked named me Grasshopper. Gary was not just a coworker but also considered to be part of the family. Gary always had a way to make you laugh. With that being said…. Gary I will always love you and a part of my heart will always be with you.
My condolences to his family with heartfelt prayers to help through these difficult times.
Rarely in life do we get to watch a man grow from his twenty’s through all life’s travails into his sixties and have such a positive impact on so many people: Gary was that man. My first Rugby Captain with Calvert RFC, mentor, friend. At least I got to introduce him to the Poltroons where it seems he continued to be an influencer and leader. As a rugby warrior, there was none more fierce in his younger days and it seems the trait of commitment carried over into family and work; a team player and a mans man; Hoboken just breeds great Americans
Truly, I will miss his solid counsel. I will always remember too his uncanny ability at the Rugby Social when he would single handily lead the chorus in bawdy Limerick’s In rousing songs (he could sing on key)
RIP brother I love you🏉, Blitz Antlitz
My sincere condolences to the Costanzo family. I, along with Bob Lukenda and John Luhman were residents of “A Deck”, from the Mount class of ‘75. Gary ALWAYS wore a big smile and was a friend to all those lost souls. Everyone was his friend, and as Mike Connolly said, he will be missed, but I believe he has happy in God’s presence. Cheers old friend☘️.
Kevin Kelly, MSM ‘75
I knew Gary, when we were young. I owe my knowledge of Irish songs to him! He was thoughtful and funny and made great lasagna! I can’t listen to Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel or the Blues Travelers without Gary coming to mind! Such a sweet soul with that smile and that mischievous twinkle in his eyes! Prayers for him on his journey and to his many loved ones that are mourning now. RIP Gary.
Sorry, I just found out about Gary’s passing. I was in high school with Gus (our name for him), he was always a riot. I wish I had been in touch and had known he was a rugby fan. I live in Ireland and have gone crazy for rugby too. It is an easy thing to happen. Take care. Richard Sullivan
Thinking of Gary as it has been a year now since he left us. So full of life, I am confident he simply traded his earthly body for a new one and lives on. Gary left a heartfelt legacy of kindness, humor, wisdom, and passion. I was his date for our high school senior prom. He was always a gentleman. We stayed friends for many years. He taught me about loyalty and perseverance in the way he lived his life…. I will always be deeply grateful for Gary.
Sort Comments
Gus and I almost ran as a ticket for Pres/VP of Student Givernment. It took me a moment to reconnect Gary as Gus because he seldom used Gary. I didn’t know he was in the area or I’d have reached out to him. I thought he returned to NJ after 1975. He was a great guy and like Jim Madigan, gone much too soon.
Sincerely wishing you joy and peace on your journey, Gary.
My sympathies to the family members he left behind and,
all of my love to Amber, Shawn, Ryan, Connor, Fiona, Ava and Enzo.
You guys are my heart!
A hard charging teammate on Calvert Rugby holding the center of may scrums. Condolences.
Gary was known as Yoda by the younger guys on the team, for he was wise in the ways of Life and Rugby and always gave good advice, not always taken, but always appreciated! Gone too soon my friend and you leave a hole that will not soon be filled. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
We haven’t seen cousin Gary in many years. His Dad Uncle Pete, the greatest man I ever knew, was my best man at our wedding some 58 years ago in Hoboken, NJ. I’m sure the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Gary like Uncle Pete, Aunt Ellie, and Ronnie left this world much too soon. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family members and all those touched by him. May he rest in peace.
Dear Gary,
You were a great cousin for your entire life. We remember fondly the many weekends you spent with us while we lived in Maryland during your college years. We shared a love of music and we’ll always remember you truly discovering and sharing Bruce Springsteen’s music long before he became famous. (smile).
Gary, you were brave and independent, loyal and loving. We can all learn a lesson about how to live life embracing with passion the things we love and never giving up hope. You are gone too soon but your fighting spirit will stay with everyone who ever knew you forever.
With Much Much Love,
Wayne & Beth Gowen
Rest In Peace our RUGBY brother Gary! A great friend with a heart of gold, who never ever missed the chance to be with his mates around the pitch.
Thanks for everything, Brother. We won’t forget!
Later, My Friend
JT
My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. I played rugby with Gary on the Washington Poltroons rugby team. He was a tough rugger on the pitch but off it a really nice and friendly guy. Gary, we’ll miss you, and hope to see you on the other side… where no doubt you’re already again playing the game made in Heaven and saving us all a few rounds of beer!
Gary,
Your passing is much too early, but you are now reconnected with your family.
Your smile and gift of gab provided us with enjoyment for many years. I was so happy for you as you did get to see your New Orleans Saints win a super bowl after many years rooting them on.
We will miss you and we send our condolences to Amber and Ryan.
Love
Bill and Maryann Gowen
Cousin Gary….our first cousin ! And the first cousin I ever knew. We spent a lot of time as kids growing up in Hoboken. Mostly at Grandma Jennie Costanzo’s house at Sunday dinner. We learned our manners at her dinner table. We had fun playing in the yard, and at your family home in Parlin.
Always very definite about things and very strong willed on every issue. A precursor to his beloved Rugby career I think.
A good man like his Dad , my Uncle Pete. Aunt Ellie saw to that. She educated my brother Pete and I as well on our summer vacation stays with them. Loved them. We Will miss you dearly as we miss all that are taken too soon .
Love Ya Cuz !
Gus and I were classmates at Mt St Mary’s. Great guy. Always made you laugh. The world just lost a solid citizen. Rest In Peace Gus.
Mike Connolly
MSM Class of 1975
My wife Tracy and I worked with Gary for 20 years, and it was never a dull moment with his blunt yet incredibly funny perspectives on life and people. It’ll be difficult not seeing him, talking to him or hearing him on the other side of the cube, but we’ll never forget how much he made work and life a better place. Thanks Gary for everything, especially showing me how to set the bar low in order to avoid being disappointed by the people around me 😉 Rest In Peace paisan….
I worked with Gary for over 15 years. He was a mentor to me and he nicked named me Grasshopper. Gary was not just a coworker but also considered to be part of the family. Gary always had a way to make you laugh. With that being said…. Gary I will always love you and a part of my heart will always be with you.
My condolences to his family with heartfelt prayers to help through these difficult times.
Rarely in life do we get to watch a man grow from his twenty’s through all life’s travails into his sixties and have such a positive impact on so many people: Gary was that man. My first Rugby Captain with Calvert RFC, mentor, friend. At least I got to introduce him to the Poltroons where it seems he continued to be an influencer and leader. As a rugby warrior, there was none more fierce in his younger days and it seems the trait of commitment carried over into family and work; a team player and a mans man; Hoboken just breeds great Americans
Truly, I will miss his solid counsel. I will always remember too his uncanny ability at the Rugby Social when he would single handily lead the chorus in bawdy Limerick’s In rousing songs (he could sing on key)
RIP brother I love you🏉, Blitz Antlitz
I have fond memories of Gary as a coworker in the Pax River environmental office. He possessed a great sense of humor that he shared with everyone. RIP , my friend.
My sincere condolences to the Costanzo family. I, along with Bob Lukenda and John Luhman were residents of “A Deck”, from the Mount class of ‘75. Gary ALWAYS wore a big smile and was a friend to all those lost souls. Everyone was his friend, and as Mike Connolly said, he will be missed, but I believe he has happy in God’s presence. Cheers old friend☘️.
Kevin Kelly, MSM ‘75
I knew Gary, when we were young. I owe my knowledge of Irish songs to him! He was thoughtful and funny and made great lasagna! I can’t listen to Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel or the Blues Travelers without Gary coming to mind! Such a sweet soul with that smile and that mischievous twinkle in his eyes! Prayers for him on his journey and to his many loved ones that are mourning now. RIP Gary.
Sorry, I just found out about Gary’s passing. I was in high school with Gus (our name for him), he was always a riot. I wish I had been in touch and had known he was a rugby fan. I live in Ireland and have gone crazy for rugby too. It is an easy thing to happen. Take care. Richard Sullivan
Thinking of Gary as it has been a year now since he left us. So full of life, I am confident he simply traded his earthly body for a new one and lives on. Gary left a heartfelt legacy of kindness, humor, wisdom, and passion. I was his date for our high school senior prom. He was always a gentleman. We stayed friends for many years. He taught me about loyalty and perseverance in the way he lived his life…. I will always be deeply grateful for Gary.