Michael J Costanzo

Michael Joseph Costanzo, 77 years old of Chicago, IL passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, Wednesday, August 26, 2020 after battling a recent cancer diagnosis. Michael is survived by his wife Barbara, his children David (Virginia) Blyskal, Laura (Kevin) Wenzel and Michael (Rosie) Costanzo, and his sister Louise (Tom) Berghold. He is the proud grandfather of 5 grandchildren: Zachary (aka Mario) 19 years old, Joshua (aka Solitario) 19 years old, Nathan (aka Lo Bam) 17 years old, Sarah (aka Summer) 16 years old, and Allison (aka Angeletta) 14 years old. Michael is preceded in death by his father Michael Angelo and Mother Valeria, his brothers Paul (Cecilia) and Dominic (Brenda) and his niece Tracy (Costanzo) Justice.

Visitation will be on Saturday, August 29th, 2020 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Ridge Funeral Home, (Edward A. Tylka Manager/Director), 6620 W. Archer Ave, Chicago, IL. 60638. Funeral service will be Sunday, August 30th at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Ridge Funeral Home will adhere to current restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allows 50 or fewer guests at a time. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times. For info: Please call 773-586-7900 or www.ridgefh.com.

Michael, known to all as Mike, was born July 17, 1943, in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago to Michael Angelo and Valeria Costanzo. He attended Tilden High School and in May 1962 enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. As a member of the Coast Guard, he was stationed throughout the country, serving most prominently aboard the USCGC Mackinaw out of Cheboygan, Mich. In 1972, he joined the Chicago Police Department, where he dedicated 32 years of service to the 011th District, the 008th District, and the School Patrol Unit.

Mike married Barbara nee Rentz, Blyskal on June 1, 1974 in Chicago. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling by train to all points of the country, most notably Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where he and his wife partially resided for six years, planting and maintaining his garden, especially his beloved tomato plants, playing poker - a game he made certain his grandchildren learned. He also spent many leisurely days cruising to tropical ports with his wife and when possible the entire family. A noted family chef, one of his most celebrated culinary creations was his homemade pasta sauce or 'gravy' as he liked to call it, which he prepared countless times for so many holidays and gatherings - a treasure now forever earthed. Unique to some, a man of few words to others, for those who knew him and loved him, there was never a more selfless man, husband, father, and loving grandfather.

The family of Michael wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Thank you Dr. Barbara, Dr. Carlos and Nurse Caroline. Our time together may have been short but your compassion will live on in our memories.