It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Josef Benie Dela Cruz Constantino of Guelph, who left us on September 6, 2024, at the age of 47. Beloved husband of Anne Marie Hodgson Constantino and devoted father to Jacob, Abigail, and Noah Constantino. Josef was the cherished son of Benie Constantino and Aida (deceased) Constantino (née Dela Cruz), and a treasured son-in-law of Gail and Brian Hodgson. Brother in law of Gary and Du Hodgson, Nicole Hodgson, Mathew Hodgson. Uncle to Toma, Tochi and Tolu Hodgson, Emma, Crispin and Hayden Hodgson, and Owen Hodgson. Josef will be forever remembered by many extended family and friends.
Josef’s life was a tapestry of dedication and service. He was a passionate secondary business teacher at Loyola Secondary School, part of the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board, where he influenced countless young lives. Prior to his teaching career, he was known to many as DJ Joey C, Joe the fish guy at Ponds, and even as a security guard. His multifaceted skills extended to coaching baseball and hockey, as well as serving as a board member at GCCS School.
Josef was an enthusiastic man with varied interests. His love for Koi fish, penguins, and Hummer cars was well-known, and he delighted in watching Jurassic Park movies and the West Wing series. A proud Christian, Josef often asked, "What would Jesus do?" His passion for life was reflected in his enjoyment of Tai Kwon Do and baseball in his youth, his devotion to Star Wars, and his admiration for the band “The Police.”
An aficionado of family game nights, Josef always wore an enormous smile. He had a unique penchant for buying gum at the gas station, enjoyed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and found joy in simple pleasures like browsing hats and shoes at the mall. His love for Filipino food, obsession with Hawaii, and dedication to Home Depot and the Dollar Store were part of what made him special. His boundless selflessness was evident in his willingness to fix anything, help with forms, pick people up at the airport, and open his home to friends and family.
Josef was an exceptional man who, even when he didn’t want to, always showed up to help. His legacy of kindness, his ever-present readiness to lend a hand, and his unwavering commitment to family and friends will be deeply missed.
A visitation for Josef will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Hart Chapel (1099 Gordon St. Guelph). The Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Parkview Church (89 Speedvale Ave E.) with a visitation at church 1/2 hour before the service. A committal service will follow at Marymount Cemetery (5400 Highway 6, Guelph) With a reception back at Parkview Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Josef’s children’s education fund or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
His spirit and memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.