MARIO COSTANTINI

May 5, 1935 - July 8, 2022

Mario Costantini, 87, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 8. Born in Rome, Italy, to Cesare and Giuseppina Costantini, he survived WWII and the loss of his mother at age 6. He graduated from the University of Rome and later served there as professor of hydraulic engineering. He married the love of his life, Luisa Galassi, on May 27, 1961, and was blessed with four children. In Rome, he had a design studio and was active in restructuring historic 15th century buildings and also commercial construction including the Assitalia building. He was an initial developer of Tabatinga Beach Resort in Brazil. The family emigrated to West Houston in 1979. He was principal in Socos, Inc. and Costa Homes and was a licensed commercial broker. He developed, managed and owned commercial properties including 800 Wilcrest, 2323 S. Shepherd, 4040 Milam, and 4605/4544 Post Oak Place. He developed residential subdivisions inside the loop, most notably Tuscan Villas. He owned and operated Ciao Italian Bakery on Memorial in the 1980s. He was past president of the Italy in America Association and led fundraising efforts for Italian earthquake relief. He was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. In later years, he enjoyed traveling to his home in Orvieto, Italy, and especially spending time with his 11 grandchildren. He faced serious health problems with courage and faith and will be remembered for his strength of will.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Luisa, in February, 2022, and his sister Marcella. He is survived by his daughter Cristina Walden (David); sons Stefano (Betty), Guido (Naoko), and Lorenzo (Merritt) Costantini; grandchildren Ryan (Ellie), Eric, and Sara Walden; Matteo (Megan), Tommaso, Annamaria, Isabella, Emi, Giulia, Rocco and Sofia Costantini; sister Gabriella Carpi, brother Carlo Costantini, and sister-in-law Giuse Pecchio. Special thanks to Do-ra Umana, his friend and caregiver of many years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to

St. Vincent dePaul Society (www.svdphouston.org) or American Parkinson Disease Association (www.apdaparkinson.org).

A visitation will be held at Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. A funeral mass service for Mario will be held Thursday, July

21, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Costantini family.