Augustine James Costanzo

Augie was born to his parents Giacomo and Rose Costanzo on August 23, 1921 and he died peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital on September 4, 2021.  Yes, he made it to 100 and he thought that was “pretty cool”. It was one of his greatest accomplishments.  He had a great birthday with lots of well wishes, cards and cupcakes. He surely loved eating sweets. He outlived his entire family. Who would have thought that just 12 days later we would be writing this.

Augie was born and raised on a farm in Spokane Valley to an Italian family who spoke limited English. He graduated from West Valley High School in 1940. Working on the farm was a way of life for the family. With the onset of World War II, Augie enlisted in the Coast Guard in October of 1942 as an Apprentice Seaman assigned to the USS Casper and later on to the USS Leonard Wood. His travels took him to the Pacific Islands thru 1944 and 1945. He received commendations for good conduct and participation in the war as he earned his way to Seaman First Class. He was discharged in February of 1946.

He continued to work on the family farm and for a short time for White, Pine and Sash before he got hired at the US Post Office. This began a 37 year career for which he was recognized many times for his innovative ideas that helped streamline many things at the post office. He retired early due to his unfortunate loss of hearing in his right ear.  During his spare time Augie liked to go dancing. At one of those dances in 1949 he met his future wife Florentina Jobe.

Dad was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed building things. The blue prints in his mind became actual things that he was proud of. He loved to bake, had an amazing garden every year, beautiful roses that people admired going by our house, his precious clematis and lawn that looked like a soft carpet.   He enjoyed many happy times with the family, trips to Loon Lake, Natatorium Park, Sunday driving, dinner at Gafners Café, A&W root beer floats and strawberry milk shakes were a favorite. He enjoyed baking Italian pastries at Christmas, and had many homemade pizza parties and spaghetti dinners at our house with family. He enjoyed following Tiger Woods and the Gonzaga men’s basketball team.

There was another side of Augie too. He was strict, disciplined and sometimes temperamental. His loud voice could be heard from a distance. He was generous with his time during his early years of retirement. Then talking on the phone became his entertainment. His words of wisdom made him a mentor too many people. And yes, he did have a sense of humor. He set goals and completed them as was his final goal…to reach 100. Many people commented that “They broke the mold when God made Augie!”  He was truly one of a kind! I’m sure God heard him when he entered the gates of heaven.  He lived a remarkable 100 years. He will be forever missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert, Victor and Vitorio, sisters Angeline Pace, Pauline Fiorito, Carmela Stafford Bevacqua, Mary Lawler and Virginia Bingamon. Also his son James Mark Costanzo and his son in law Glenn M Jones.

He is survived by his wife Florentina, daughters Cathleen Jones of Fort Myers, Florida, Maureen Costanzo of Spokane, and daughter in law Susan Jo Costanzo of Spring, Texas, AND 2 special girls Jessee Rouse Maher and Payton Dressler, plus members of the Jobe and Costanzo families and many friends. We would like to thank Senior Helpers, his special nurse Leslie Gregg, the comfort care team at Sacred Heart Hospital, Jerry Juliano for his care and support and also countless friends and neighbors who pitched in when the need arose.

A private service and internment will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Due to COVID, a mass and celebration of life will be held at a much later date. Arrangements are being made by Hennessey Valley Funeral Home 1315 North Pines Road, Spokane Valley Washington 99206. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Universal Living Rosary, PO Box 1303, Dickinson, Texas 77539. To share memories of Augie and leave condolences for the family, visit Augie's Tribute Wall.