William M. Constantine

William (“Bill”) Martin Constantine of Bayport, N.Y., peacefully passed away January 14, 2022, surrounded by the love and compassion of his wife of 54 years, Irene (Sullivan) Constantine, and their three children.

“Billy” as his many friends and family members affectionately referred to him, was born June 14, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y. to James and Ellen (Borland) Constantine. A true American patriot, Bill was proud of his country and was pleased his birthday also fell on Flag Day. He was much-loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, many nieces and nephews, and friends. 

Bill attended Amityville High School, and upon graduation went into the Air Force where he was honorably discharged after his first year due to physical limitations and then began his long and illustrious career in sales within various industries, first for electronics and later, luxury yachts. His final act was Director of Purchasing at MCN Distributors, where he remained until his 2013 retirement. 

In the mid 1960’s, Bill was known as a rising star, with incredible charisma, a young businessman beginning his career with Newhope Corporation in NYC and next his exciting move to Audiovox Corporation.  Bill was highly thought of and successful in his own right as he traversed the new electronics landscape-quickly rising to become the Executive VP at Audivox Corp in Chicago and later Executive VP of Boatland for Sea Ray. While he was a success in business, this also flowed to his personal life, when he met his now wife Irene, on a summer evening in 1966. The story goes that he pulled up to a busy bar in the heart of Manhattan and Bill said he had just seen an angel, who was the sweetest person he’d ever met, he said it was love at first sight, and he impulsively asked her to marry him that first night. They wed one year later on June 17, 1967, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs R.C. Church in Forest Hills, N.Y., followed by a beautiful reception at The Garden City Hotel where they danced to their wedding song “Strangers in the Night” by Frank Sinatra.

As young newlyweds, Bill and Irene bought their first home in Queens Village, N.Y., and as their family expanded, they moved to Huntington and then Babylon Village where they raised their three children. Their final stop was Bayport, N.Y., where they resided until his passing. 

Throughout the years, Bill, along with the love of his family and many friends enjoyed life to the fullest. His many stories, jokes, anecdotes and tales, were fodder for entertainment and laughter at every family event and gathering. His love of travel and boating was one he always kept up with, and even more so after his retirement from MCN Distributors. He could often be found spending cold New York winters in Palm Beach, Florida, and then making a yearly pilgrimage to Italy every summer for relaxation, culture, and cuisine. During their trips to Italy, in which Bill and Irene often brought their children and grandchildren, they would enjoy the times they spent on the beaches of the island of Ischia at the same family-owned resort they were loyal to each year. The owners loved seeing Bill and Irene, and it was undoubtedly the highlight of their summer. 

Bill was also known for his generosity, kindness, and his ability to fix, repair and build almost anything. His workshop on the property of his home was where he spent many hours with his newest tool or project. He would also often lend out tools to friends and family, keeping track of what he farmed out via a dry-erase board so he didn't forget!
 

Bill was predeceased by his mother Ellen Scala and his stepfather Elio Scala, his father James Constantine, and his stepmother Connie Constantine, as well as his sister, Maria Quick. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Irene Sullivan Constantine of Bayport, N.Y., and their three children: Kimberly Constantine Bhandary of Bayport, N.Y., Kate Farley of Blue Point, N.Y., and James Constantine (Monique) of West Babylon, N.Y. He is also survived by his four siblings: Ellen, James, Nicky, and Deb, as well as his five grandsons: William, Colton, Luke, Parker, and Harrison. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 17, 11am, at Our Lady of the Snow R.C. Church, Blue Point, N.Y. followed by Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Southold, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in his honor to the American Diabetes Association.