Thomas Constantinovich

Thomas Constantinovich, 89 There will be a Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Charles Borromeo Parish for Thomas Constantinovich, 89 of Boardman who died Thursday morning at his residence. Thomas was born December 30, 1928 in Youngstown, a son of the late Peter and Mary (Gorski) Constantinovich and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1947 where he had played football and winning the  All City Championship in 1946. After graduating from high school Thomas joined the Navy. He was a corpsman with the Fifth Marines during the Korean War. He was wounded during the Inchon invasion, spending three months in the hospital and receiving the Purple Heart. When Thomas was released he served with Seabees in California for a short time before being transferred to the Navy. Thomas worked for 30 years at the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1981.  He enjoyed fishing, football and watching the Cleveland Browns.  He was a self-taught "fix it man" and was often called upon by family and friends for numerous repairs and home projects, always responding selflessly and humbly. He leaves his wife, the former Josephine DiBenedetto, whom he married July 25, 1953; a son, Thomas (Cindy) Constantinovich of Boardman, two daughters, Diane (Gary) Peterson of Canfield and Karen (Doug) Thorpe of North Lima; a daughter-in-law, Rita Constantinovich of Hilliard; 7 grandsons, Craig (Livi) Ryan and Kevin Constantinovich, Nicholas and David (fianc' Sydney Schisler) Peterson, Zachary and Michael Thorpe and one granddaughter, Caroline Constantinovich and a sister, Virginia "Jean" Franczkowski of Boardman. Besides his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by a son, David Constantinovich; five brothers, Paul Constance, John Constance, George Constance, Stan Constance and William Constance. Friends may call Monday 5:00 -7:00 P.M. at Lane Family Funeral Home, Anstrom Chapel, Boardman and on Tuesday for one hour prior to the mass at the church. The family would like to give a special thanks to Denise and George Statler for everything they did and for always being there for them. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.