Edward James Costantini

Published 12:09 am Tuesday, December 26, 2017

HAUGHTON, La. — Life celebration services for Edward Costantini are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home in Haughton, La., with Dr. Gevin Spinney and Dr. Scott Sullivan officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Edward James Costantini was born to Sante Costantini, who came to the United States from Vallo di Nera, Italy through Ellis Island, and Rosa Martin Costantini of Crumpler, W.Va. Edward graduated from Northfork-Elkhorn High School in Northfork, W.Va. in 1955. While in high school, he attended and received his diploma at McDowell Vocational School in Welch, W.Va., and became an electrician. Eddie served three years as an electrician’s mate 2nd class in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S Hornet CVS-12 aircraft carrier. Being in the Navy enabled him to travel to Hong Kong, Hawaii, Japan, and Taiwan. Some of Eddie’s fondest memories are of that time in his life.

After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Eddie lived and worked in Lake Charles, La., where he met his wife of 57 years, Diane Osborne Costantini. They were married on March 5, 1960. Diane was the love of Eddie’s life or, as he would say, “she was his gold.”

Eddie came to know the Lord as his Savior followed by baptism at Boulevard Baptist Church in Lake Charles. He was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Vidalia, where he resided for 47 years. Most recently, Eddie and his wife joined First Baptist of Haughton when they moved to Haughton in April of 2017.

Eddie greatly enjoyed playing and listening to bluegrass music. He was instrumental in establishing the Magnolia State Bluegrass Association in Mississippi. Eddie was friendly, trustworthy and was known for his impeccable work ethic and he instilled these values in each of his daughters.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frank John Costantini and Billy Costantini; and one sister, Julia Costantini Van Horn.

Survivors include three daughters, Teresa Small and husband, Don, of Haughton, Janet Brown and husband, Mike, of Eagan, Minn., and Marion Costantini of Royce City, Texas; four grandchildren, Amanda Smith Zaragoza and husband, Franco, of Berkley, Calif., Morgan Elizabeth Brown of Maplewood, Minn., Christopher Michael Brown of Bloomington, Minn., and Collin Matthew Brown of Eagan, Minn.; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and family friend Kim Mathis.

Pallbearers will be Scott Osborne, Ken Osborne, Tommy Probst, Gary Osborne, Gary Glen Osborne, Christopher Brown and Collin Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his honor to First Baptist Church of Haughton, 105 E. Washington Ave., Haughton, La., 71037 or First Baptist Church of Vidalia, 100 North Hickory, Vidalia, LA 71373.