Friday September 18, 2009, The Age COSTANZO Santo
Sir, the news of your loss has devastated me. You were a true inspiration to me, both as an educator and friend. I am happy that the last time we spoke I got the opportunity to tell you what a huge influence you have been in my life. I will never forget how during our last conversation you informed me that you still had visions of the late Abbot Kourtessis and that you did not wish to abandon the school and its students. Sir, you guided me to the right path and for this I will never forget you.
May you rest in peace Your student Bill Giavris
Friday September 18, 2009, The Age COSTANZO Santo
Dear Sir, You touched us all with your love and grace. You were a true educator who at all times went far beyond your duty to help your students progress but most importantly to become better human beings. The CLASS of 92' will never forget you. You inspired every single one of us and for this we are all eternally grateful to you.
May you rest in peace. St Johns Greek Orthodox College- CLASS of 92
Herald Sun Tributes
Santo Costanzo This Guest Book will remain online until 21/10/2009
Friday, 18 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. You were a beautiful, loving person with a contagious smile and a heart of gold. You will be sadly missed. Reunited with your precious family. Forever in our hearts - Zia Matilde, Mary, Adelina, Yolanda and families.
Published in: Herald Sun
Friday, 18 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. Dear Sir, you touched us all with your love and grace. You were a true educator who at all times went far beyond your duty to help your students progress but most importantly to become better human beings. The class of `92 will never forget you. You inspired every single one of us and for this we are eternally grateful to you. May You Rest In Peace - St John's Greek Orthodox College - Class of `92
Published in: Herald Sun
Friday, 18 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. Sir, the news of your loss has devastated me. You were a true inspiration to me both as an educator and friend. I am happy that the last time we spoke I got the opportunity to tell you what a huge influence you have been in my life. I will never forget how during our last conversation you informed me that you still had visions of the late Abbot Kourtessis and that you did not wish to abandon the school and it's students. Sir, you guided me to the right path and for this, I will never forget you. May You Rest In Peace - Your student Bill Giavris.
Published in: Herald Sun
Thursday, 17 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santino. When you told a story, no matter how many times, it was like hearing it for the first time. The best was watching you laugh along with us. You had a sharp memory for dates and places, people and events. Now we commend you in the hands of God and those gone before. Know that you were loved on earth, as we know
you will be in Heaven. You are gone in body only, not in spirit. Thanks for the memories, Moby With love - Zia Serafina, Mary, Rosa, Santo, Vince, Lisa and their families.
Published in: Herald Sun
Thursday, 17 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. Much loved nephew of Maria, cousin of Santo, Angelo and families. Our weekend trips away have left us with lasting memories that will stay with us always. Reunited with your Mum, Dad and Sister Rest Peacefully
Published in: Herald Sun
Thursday, 17 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. In loving memory of our nephew. Forever in our hearts - Zia Alba and Zio Tony Chiodo. COSTANZO. - Santo. Santo, our cousin and friend, a wonderful man who loved to tell a story. You will be sadly missed by us all. - Frank, Jodie, Amelia, Lucy, Antonio, Gina, Peter, Tara, Jemma, Georgia, Paul and Julie.
Published in: Herald Sun
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. A wonderful nephew who has now gone to join his Uncle Peppe. Christmas will never be the same. Love - Zia Teresa.
Published in: Herald Sun
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. Thanks for the wonderful memories and great laughs. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Go Pies! Love - Mary, Sarah and Caitlin.
Published in: Herald Sun
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. In memory of our loving cousin. Now that you are with your family, I hope peace is in your heart. - Toni, Felice, Marc, Andrew, Melissa and Peter.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. You were always there for everyone that needed you in good times and in bad. I will miss the good times and the long chats we had. Now you are with your family in Heaven. Rest In Peace My Dear Friend - Johnny.
Published in: Herald Sun
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. 1959 - 2009 To our dearest and beloved friend Santo. Your sudden passing has left us in shock and with no time to say goodbye or the words
we had to say. Our dreams to share the rest of our lives together have been shattered. You have touched our souls and you will always be remembered for your generosity, your loving nature, your great sense of humour, your loving, sincere and caring words, your constant support and actions in time of need and in happiness, your inspirational words that gave us the courage to take on new challenges in our lives, your infectious passion and support for Collingwood and for your enthusiasm to share your many jokes and stories that often bought tears of laughter and lifted the spirits of all around you. You
were a man with a big heart who passed no-one by and was there for everyone. You were the best friend anyone could ever ask for. May you find the peace you were always looking for. We hope God realises what a gem He has and keeps you safe until we meet
again. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to your extended family. We will always remember you. - Your friends in life - Angela and Nick Kotsiras and their family and extended family.
Published in: Herald Sun
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
COSTANZO. - Santo. It is with great sadness that the community of St John's Greek Orthodox College notes the passing of our former teacher and colleague Santo Costanzo. A caring, supportive and inspirational leader, both in and out of the classroom. A true friend to all who knew him. Santo, you will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. C'arn the Pies
Published in: Herald Sun
Comments from students through Facebook and via emails:
Con Parthimos: " Mr C, was a very touching Funeral..... Worthy of a great man. RIP my friend, my Teacher... You were and always will be the BEST!!!!!!!!!!"
Margaret Lekkas: " what a great loss, mr costanzo. my thoughts are with his friends and family." James Demos: " RIP Mr Costanzo. Great teacher and a legendary person..."
Kathy Licciardi: " drove`me`home`after`taking`me`to`hospital`when`i`broke`my`arm`playing`BRITISH` BULLDOGS`.....RIP`Mr`C"
Michael Daskalou: " RIP Mr Costanzo...You Always will be remembered as not only a great teacher but a great person. Always loved how you related everything we talked about in International studies in yr12 to the Mighty Magpies. You had passion and enjoyed teaching and w...ere one of my influences to becoming a teacher myself.. RIP Sir."
Suzie Diles: "RIP Cozzie... Class of 94 wasnt permitted to have a muck-up-day, so he took us ALL to his holiday house n we all went wild there with eggs, flour... u name it, we even had a BBQ... SUCH an amazing person. I wish his family all the strength in the world!!!! IM SOOOOO sad to hear the news :-("
Con Parthimos: "RIP... Mr Cozzie.... You were the best!!!!!!!!!!! I will never forget Legal Studies...... The Footy training, and the Footy debates.... You will be missed, both as an educator and as a great bloke."
Deanna Krillis: "Ditto to all the emotional posts below... footy season and cherry ripes were your passions, Cozzie... I think I still owe you one...actually 2 - you took me from a D to an A in Maths! Rest in Peace... you will remain a favourite in my memory..."
Lisa Dimitriadis: " RIP mr costanzo!! Such an awesome person and a fantastic teacher. My fav saying "& bob's ur uncle" Effie Papakirikou: "Oh no truly sad news he was an awesome teacher and coordinator RIP sir."
Dora Halvis: "i remember he took us to his holiday house last day of vce 1994 coz we wernt allowd to egg eachother at school.he opened his house to all the students...who can forget that?"
Nerantza Konstantaras: " rest in peace sir thank-you for all you joy and happiness that you brought to st johns we cannot explain how great it was with you around your whole life was dedicated to us students and for that we thank you rest in peace your in a better place we will continue to smile not frown because we only have good memories no bad ones. I am grateful that i got to have him as a teacher and for you i hope that collingwood wins the grand final this year"
John Lianidis: "Mr Costanzo, you were more than just a teacher. You were a mentor, you were a friend. You were the life and blood of St.John's, indeed "you were St John's." Words cannot explain how grateful I am for having had the privilige of be...ing your student. Your support, advice, help and teaching and dedication were second to none. You've left this life but you have surely made a difference. No man was more deserving of respect and honour. I consider myself a better person and law student for you having taught me. You will always be remembered."
Betty Hajichristou: "Such sad news. RIP Santo Costanzo. You will be sadly missed:) you made an impact on many students lives..including mine"
Mia-Alexandra Sky: " Such sad news. I remember the kindness Mr Costanzo offered me in his advice back when I was making big decisions in 1992 about which university to choose. Very sad news indeed. I hope he knew what he meant to us all."
George Christodoulou: "R.I.P Mr Coztanzo dis is coming from all the christodoulou kids you were a great and honourable man. You will be dearly missed sir. :(:(:(:(:(:("
Betty Vasilopoulos Ganis: " Sad news today, about the passing of Mr Costanzo.. He was a fantastic teacher and a wonderful, kind man! We will all remember him and hold on to all the fond memories we have from our high school days! May you rest in peace Mr Costanzo.. "
Kathy Tetoros Class of 1985: I had Mr Costanzo for Legal Studies in 1984. He was certainly one of the best teachers at the school. During exams, I could still hear his voice and his lessons in my head and this was the only reason I did so well in them. You say you want Costanzo phrases. The only one's I have are these: "Did I tell you about my friend...Mr Galbally.... " and "according to such and such a law, section such and such, paragraph such and such, you are not allowed to ..... or whatever it was. He always used these quotes to explain difficult concepts..." That's what I remember of my teacher Mr Costanzo...
Niki Fotias : "To err is to be Human but to forgive is divine".
Frank Hinoporos Class of 1997: I will always remember him fondly as an inspiring teacher and mentor, particularly in my VCE year. He was, among many other things, a man of ideas. He opened my eyes up to the subtleties of world affairs in our international relations class.
Chris Hatzivasiliou Class of 1992: Very sad to hear the passing of a great teacher and more importantly a leader who was so forth coming to every student. A great loss. Sincere condolences to your family mate.
YOUR UNCLES CALLED YOU "PROFESSORE", UNCLE JOE SCIGLIANO CALLED YOU "MASTRO SANTO", YOUR MOM AND DAD CALLED YOU "GUAGLIONE" I CALLED YOU BROTHER AND RIGHTFULLY SO FROM THE MOMENT WE MET IN JAN 1976. MY DAUGHTER DEANNA MADE IT A POINT TO PROVE THAT WE WERE REALLY BROTHERS FOR WE WERE SO MUCH ALIKE. TAKING ON A NEW MEANING NOW, THE TRIBUTE YOU WROTE TO YOUR MOM AND DAD SOME THREE YEARS AGO, IS FILLED WITH DEEP HEARTFELT PAIN YOU WERE EXPERIENCING, EVEN AFTER ALL THE TIME THAT PASSED. THAT WAS A PAIN YOU COULD NOT SHARE WITH ANYONE EVEN THOUGH YOU MASKED IT PRETTY WELL, BUT ULTIMATELY IT CONSUMED YOU. I PRAY THAT YOU FOUND WHAT YOU WERE HOPING FOR AND THAT NOW YOU ARE REUNITED WITH YOUR LOVED ONES INCLUDING THE UNCLE WHOM ALL YOU SANTOS WERE NAMED AFTER. YOU ARE LEAVING A VOID ON THIS EARTH AS I HEARTLY BELIEVE THAT YOUR WORK ON EARTH WAS NOT YET FINISHED. YOU SURPRISED ME IN LAS VEGAS LAST YEAR AND UPON SEEING YOU I FELL TO MY KNEES. I AGAIN AM ON MY KNEES BEGGING OUR MERCIFUL AND GOOD LORD TO WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS IN HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM WHERE WE WILL SOMEDAY MEET AGAIN AND WHERE WE WILL LIVE FOREVER WITHOUT PAIN & SUFFERING AND NO MORE DEATH. MY PRAYERS GO ALSO TO THOSE WHO LOVE YOU WHETHER THEY BE IN AUSTRALIA, UNITED STATES, ARGENTINA, OR ITALY AND MAY IN JESUS NAME TO US BE GRANTED THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS WE CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS WE CAN CHANGE, AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COURAGE AND SERENITY. I THANK GOD FOR HAVING SPENT SOME TIME IN KNOWING YOU ON EARTH I THANK GOD FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE FAREWELL TILL WE MEET AGAIN AND IN YOUR OWN WORDS "THERE YOU HAVE IT!" I LOVE YOU IMMENSELY YOUR BROTHER PETER