Nicholas Constantino

Nicholas “Nick” Constantino passed from this world on September 13, 2024, at the age of 93. He was born in Washington, DC, on February 18, 1931, to Frank and Mariatina Constantino. He was a first-generation Italian American who was proud of his Italian ancestry. On October 11, 1952, he married his beloved wife of 71 years, the late Gloria Fay Constantino, at the St. Matthias Catholic Church in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Nick and Gloria were devout Catholics and long-time parishioners of the Basilica of St. Mary’s and St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA. Nick was preceded in death by: his loving wife Gloria; brothers Philip and John; and, sisters Marie Dalton, Nancy Holland, and Josephine Ledford. He is survived by brothers Frank Jr (Shirley) and Samuel (Diane), and sisters Victoria Garzione, MaryAnne Loveday-Ilitch (Mark), and Deborah Holland (Ralph). Nick was a caring and loving father of four children: Frank Constantino (Mary Beth), Gloria “Cookie” Williams (Mark), Pamela Kramer (predeceased Marty), and Nancy Knoblauch (Karl). He was the loving grandfather “granddaddy” to eight grandchildren: Marty (Candace), Seth (Jobey), Nicole, Matthew, Katie, Allison, Niko, and Brant; and, the loving great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren: Sylvia, Kyla, Riley, Kam, Kal, Mo, Noel, Kadence, Luci, and Trace. Additionally, Nick was very fortunate to have had the benefit of many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, and special friends. Nick was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952; and completed his eight-year military service obligation in 1960; after serving two years on active duty and six years in the Individual Ready Reserve. Nick was always proud of his U. S. Marine Corps service.; and was delighted, when nearly 60 years later, he was able to return to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (Parris Island, SC) to witness his grandson Matthew’s USMC Boot Camp graduation ceremony. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” Nick, along with his brother Frank, were long-time proprietors of Geno’s Italian Restaurant located at 1300 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. They operated Geno’s for 40 years from 1959 to 1999 when they sold their restaurant business. Above their restaurant they operated a 12-room rooming house. They sold their restaurant building in 2004, but continued to operate the rooming house until 2015. A favorite and long pastime for Nick and Gloria was ballroom dancing; and throughout the years they participated in many dance sessions and classes at area dance studios (Dance Factory, Lioudmila’s) and senior centers (Hollin Hall, Lincolnia). As lifelong Alexandrians, Nick and Gloria also enjoyed participating in the senior center “Alexandria Memories” sessions. Nick always had a phenomenal memory and was able to recall specific dates, people, and events reaching back to his earliest days in Alexandria. Over time, health issues limited both Nick and Gloria’s activities, in particular their joy for ballroom dancing. However, an unwavering and steady constant for Nick, with Gloria, was his love and devotion for his family and friends. He was always happiest when spending time with loved ones at the many extended family gatherings for special occasions and holidays. Whether known as Nick, Dad, or Granddaddy, he will always live on in the memories of those who love him so dearly. May he rest in eternal peace in the hands of our Lord. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 20th at 11:00 AM at the St. Louis Catholic Church, 2907 Popkins Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia.

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Nicholas Constantino

February 18, 1931 - September 13, 2024