Antonio "Tony the Barber" Costantino

Antonio "Tony the Barber" Costantino, 80, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 30, 2023. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 8th at 11 AM at St. Patrick's Church, 97 West Bayard St., Seneca Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Patrick's Church (Parish Office), 35 Center St., Waterloo, NY 13165 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

Tony was born in Sperlonga, Italy, the son of the late Vincenzo and Maria (D'Onofrio) Costantino. At a young age, Tony learned the skills from his Godfather to become a barber. He later immigrated to Seneca Falls in the US, where he was immediately able to find employment. He perfected his barbering skills which led him to open Tony's Barber Shop. Soon after, his brother Leo joined Tony and then subsequently opened his own shop. Tony was a barber for almost seventy years. Going to see Tony wasn't just about getting a great haircut. It was about interacting with Tony and seeing friends you have known for years. As the sign in the shop reads, "It's not just a barber shop, it's an experience."

Tony was united in marriage with Rose Mary Carnevale on September 2, 1968, at St. Patrick's Church sharing 55 years together.

Tony took pride that he became a naturalized American citizen in 1969. He was proud of his Italian heritage but was also proud to be able to call himself an American.

From an early age, Tony loved "the beautiful game (soccer)." As a boy he loved to play the game, and as he got older, he took on more of a coaching role. He coached youth teams in many private local leagues, as well as some of the community soccer teams in Seneca Falls.

He was a man of many talents. Tony enjoyed giving back to his community. He was a member of the SMS, Seneca Falls Elks Lodge 992, sat on the Parish Council for St. Pat's Church, was a village trustee for many years, and was elected Seneca Falls' first Italian Mayor in 2000. He was also a devout Catholic his entire life and a member of St. Patrick's Church.

Above all else, Tony was family man. He loved to spend time with his grandkids, attending their many sporting events and dance recitals. He was thrilled when his great-grandson was born.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Mary; daughters, Tonimarie (Reggie) Meeks, Sabrinamarie Costantino (Gabriel Peralta) and son, Vincent (Nicole) Costantino; grandchildren, Giovanna (Dylan O'Brien), Sofia, Robert, Stella, Mila; great-grandson, Louie; brother, Leo (Kathy) Costantino; sisters-in-law, Gina (Soscia) and Gina (Refini) Costantino, as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family in the US and in Italy. In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by his sisters, Chivita Costantino, Teresa (Levio) Fiorucci, brothers, Salvatore, Gaetano (Constanza), and Onorato Costantino, and a special aunt and uncle, Assunta (Paul) Torchinelli.

Tony's family would like to extend a special Thank You to his customers who grew to become his friends and family.