Dr. David F. Constantine (Jidu) 81, of New Bedford, husband of Claire J. (Roy) Constantine, married 50 years, and son of the late Jennie (Solomon) and Charles Constantine, died Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Saint Luke’s Hospital. Born in New Bedford, he lived there his entire life. He was a communicant of St. Joseph - St. Thérèse Church.
Dr. Constantine served in the United States Army from 1956 until 1962. After graduating New Bedford High School in 1955, he earned a B.S. from Stonehill College in 1959 and a D.M.D. from Tufts University in 1963. In addition to his numerous professional and civic initiatives and commitments, he served as Chief of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery at Union/Parkwood Hospital in New Bedford from 1966-1988, Director of Oral Surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital, member of the Governor’s Council from 1992-2002, Chairman of the New Bedford Board of Health from 1987-2000, and played a vital, longstanding role in the pro-life movement.
Survivors include his widow; eleven children, Dr. Jennifer Jackson of Bryn Mawr, PA; Joseph Constantine of New Bedford, Rachel Emde of Brockton, Theresa Constantine of New Bedford, Karen Taylor of Fairhaven, Angela Basse of Easton, Mary Bernardo of Acushnet, Erica Constantine of New Bedford, Susan Guido of Newburyport, David Constantine of New Bedford and Paul Constantine of New Bedford; sisters Barbara Nobrega of New Bedford and Theresa Fay of West Palm Beach, FL; eleven grandchildren, Hannah, Emma, Madelyn, Abigail, Anthony, Sophia, Isabella, Grace, Thomas, Luke and Charles, and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Phoebe Assiff, Habee Constantine, Louis Constantine, Mary Saba, George Constantine, and Patrick Constantine. He had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Jude. He also loved the game of golf, fixing everything with his children and grandchildren, building model airplanes, and most of all, helping to build the dreams of his family and all who reached out to him for love and support.
His visiting hours will be Monday, July 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. The family requests that the public meet directly at church. Burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, https://www.atonementfriars.org