Dr. Thomas Costantino, director of the division of cardiology at Staten Island University Hospital, dies. He – silive.com

Dr. Thomas Costantino, a dedicated physician and a specialist in cardiovascular disease cardiology who was named director of the division of cardiology at Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze and Princes Bay, died Dec. 20 in Vitas Hospice of Delray Beach, Fla., after a long illness. He was 80.

Dr. Costantino graduated with honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1966 and completed an internship and residencies in medicine and internal medicine at the Washington, D.C. medical center and at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Manhattan.

He received a fellowship in cardiology at Georgetown University before attaining the rank of lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, an achievement of which he was most proud.

Dr. Costantino, who practiced medicine for more than 55 years, would assume the roles of assistant visiting physician in cardiology at the Seaview Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home, clinical assistant professor, preceptor in medicine, and instructor for The State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, formerly SUNY Downstate Medical Center, adjunct professor for Wagner College and as adjunct assistant professor for Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

He was appointed chief of cardiology at the U.S. Naval Hospital at St. Albans. He was a consultant in cardiology at the former Victory Memorial Hospital, Brooklyn, where he was the attending staff physician in medicine, at the former Doctors Hospital of Staten Island, Concord, at the former Richmond Memorial Hospital, now Staten Island University Hospital, Princes Bay, and at the former St. Vincents Medical Center, now Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton.

At a birthday bash for Lenore Costantino at Angelina's, Tottenville, are from the left: Dr. Thomas Costantino and his wife, Lenore, and Lenore's sons, Robert and Michael Carpinello.

As a researcher, Dr. Costantino conducted numerous clinical research studies and published in journals that included the American Heart Journal, the American Journal of Cardiology, the American Journal of Kidney Disease, The Chest Journal The Circulation Journal the Medical Annals of the District of Columbia, the New England Journal of Medicine, and Patient Care.

He was a board member of the Staten Island Division of the American Heart Association/NYC Affiliate, the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Disease. He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Costantino was a frequent contributor to `Heart on your block, a featured column in the Advance, and was often a keynote speaker at health forums, initiatives and programs related to heart health.

He was the happiest when surrounded by those he held most dear, said Lenore, his wife of 25 years.

A passionate wine connoisseur with a deep knowledge of its origins, Dr. Costantino amassed a hefty collection of dinner and dessert varieties and maintained a meticulous inventory.

An exceptional athlete who completed a number of times both the New York City and Boston Marathons, he was an excellent skier and skilled in sports and physical exercise.

Dr. Thomas Costantino and his wife, Lenore, on their honeymoon 25 years ago. (Courtesy/Lenore Costantino)

We are all extremely sad about the passing of my husband, Tom, said his wife. He was the most wonderful father and the best man any woman could ask for. He was always smiling and was the true love of my life. We shared what most couples do, we laughed, we cried, and we loved to dance together. My husband and I traveled to the most beautiful parts of the world and there was no other person I would have rather shared that experience. He gave me more than 30 years of love and sheer happiness. I was the luckiest woman in the world. I will treasure the most beautiful memories we shared together. Until we meet again. Rest in peace, my love.

EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY

Robert Carpinello, Dr. Costantinos stepson: When he went back to his 50th college reunion he said everyone who was in finance was already retired for five years. But those who were physicians were still practicing. So he said Give me a few more years. He loved practicing medicine. He graduated with prominent people like Nancy Pelosis husband, Paul, and Paul Tagliabue, a childhood friend and former commissioner of the NFL. Tom was a mentor and the best stepdad anyone could ever have. And Ill miss the memories of running road races in Central Park and skiing Aspen and Vale.

Michael Carpinello, stepson: Even though Tom was my stepdad, he was very much a father to me who I had the honor of sharing the same birthday. Not only was he a father, but a friend, a mentor, and someone to idolize when you became a man. He was the epitome of the true definition of what it meant to be a gentleman. He was a person with infallible integrity and a pillar in the medical community, who was loved and revered by all. He left an everlasting impression on the thousands of families he served. There will never be another person like Dr. Thomas Costantino to walk this earth again. Your amazing legacy will live on forever and I will miss you very much. Love your son, Michael.

Joanne and Dr. Daniel Megna, a New Dorp gastroenterologist and friend: Tom was one of the finest individuals and best cardiologists who I have ever met. He was an icon in the field of medicine. Tom was a true friend and my wife, Joanne and I will miss him terribly.

Janet and Dr. James Malpeso, a partner in cardiology and friend: Ive known Tom for 40 years and we were partners in the practice of cardiology. He was a compassionate doctor, very bright and very understanding to his patients. He practiced medicine with a stethoscope and not a computer, more from a clinical perspective. He was there for his patients. We were highly respectful of one another. Tom and Dr. Rosati founded the first heart ambulance on Staten Island. He was involved in the first coronary care and telemetry units. He taught a lot of residents, interns and physicians in cardiology in some form or another who passed through his rotation. They were all trained by Dr. Costantino, or Cos, as he was known. He let all of us grow and take our place in medicine. He always encouraged you to take on projects and expand and you dont have too many people like that.

Dr. Ted Strange, chairman of medicine at SIUH: Tom Costantino was a mentor for many years at SIUH for many residents who became attending physicians both in cardiology and primary care. He was a great teacher, a great person, a great physician, always with a calm demeanor, dressed impeccably no matter what time of day or night. He never lost his temper and was always in control even in the most difficult times. He and Dr. Rosati were the forerunners in cardiology on Staten Island. And because of them, the state of the art cardiology services are what they are today.

Anthony Ferreri, regional director of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and former president and CEO of SIUH: I had the pleasure to work with many fine clinicians in my 40 years in healthcare especially while CEO of Staten Island University Hospital. Dr. Thomas Costantino was one of the finest. A superb cardiologist, as director of the division of cardiology he was essential in the development of a program that would eventually become the Heart Institute. The Institute, with destination services in cardiology, cardio thoracic surgery and interventional cardiology, grew to be considered one of the finest in the State of New York. For the people of Staten Island, Tom was more than an exceptional physician. He was a pioneer who helped bring full and comprehensive cardiology to Staten Island. He was a trailblazer.

Dr. Joseph McGinn, former thoracic surgeon at SIUH and one of the founders of the Heart Institute at SIUH: We were very close friends and I was devastated to hear about his illness and eventual death. He was one of the few physicians on Staten Island who left his mark. He will be remembered for not only being an excellent cardiologist, but for being a champion for the Heart Institute and he could be regarded as one of its founders.

Michele and Dr. Philip Otterbeck, a New Dorp dentist and friend: Our friend Tom Costantino was a true gentleman. He was kind, gentle and appreciative of his family and friends. Also let us not forget that he was a giant in his field and he was loved and respected by his colleagues and patients. We will always keep him in our hearts.

Dr. Vincent Frazzetto, a Meiers Corners endodontist and friend: Dr. Thomas Costantino returned to Staten Island after completing his medical training as a cardiologist and joined the preeminent cardiologist at the time, Dr. Marie Rosati, more than 45 years ago. Since that time he has been a leader in cardiology in our community. He truly set a standard for so many residents and colleagues who he trained. When speaking to his former colleagues, many would immediately refer to him as a brilliant mentor. He set an example for so many who followed him in cardiology and medicine on Staten Island. On a personal note, my wife, Cathy, and I were close friends of Tom and his wife, Lenore. Tom was a dapper dresser and a wine connoisseur. We were honored to call him a dear friend a compassionate, kind, caring family man, a true gentleman. He will be missed by not only his dear friends, colleagues and patients, but the entire Staten Island Community.

Michael Carpinello, a longtime family friend: Anyone who knew Tom knew he would do anything for anyone. Tom would always go out of his way help those in need. He had a big heart and was the most caring, friendly, humble and generous person I ever knew. I first met Tom through his wife, Lenore, then as a patient. He treated his patients with professional care and compassion. His concern for his patients was unlimited. We quickly became good friends and my wife and I enjoyed many happy times together with Tom and Lenore. When Tom retired and spent time in Florida, we occasionally played golf. He was a very good athlete. He also completed the New York City and Boston Marathon many times. Anyone who knew Tom would agree he was a wonderful person, father, grandfather, husband and friend. We are all better off today for having known Tom and having him in our lives.

Longtime friends, Carmel (Candy) and Gino Gionta: From Bible Verse Hebrews 13.2: This defines my heartfelt personal feelings for my dear pal Tom; Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. In my heart Tom Costantino was an angel on earth where he was truly needed. Gino and I join all who were privileged to be called his friend and witness his sincere, unwavering humility, benevolence, compassion, true intelligence, honesty and wit. We will forever remember his contagious smile and his zest for life.

Longtime friends, John and Laraine Shultz: Tom was a beautiful, loving person and a very dear friend. One would never find him flaunting his many and well deserved accomplishments, but rather he was an unassuming and truly caring human being. We have been truly blessed to have had him in our lives and will forever cherish his memory.

In addition to his wife Lenore, Dr. Costantino is survived by four sons, eight grandchildren, and two sisters, Ann Ariosta and Bernadette Puglia.

Cremation was private and interment of his ashes will be in South Florida National Cemetery, Lakewood, Fla.

A memorial Mass and a celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

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Dr. Thomas Costantino, director of the division of cardiology at Staten Island University Hospital, dies. He - silive.com