Council Member Costa Constantinides, his wife Lori and son Nico (twitter)
April 19, 2021 By Christian Murray
Costa Constantinides, who represented Astoria in the City Council until earlier this month, shared a message on twitter this afternoon that his wife has passed away.
Constantinides said that his wife, Lori, died this morning.
“My wife Lori went home this morning after a long illness battling kidney failure and type 1 diabetes. I’m at a loss for words as I grieve her Ioss. Thank you to all the friends and family who have helped for many years care for our family. I love you babymoo. Niko and I love you.”
The announcement follows a tumultuous year for Constantinides and his family in terms of health.
He and his wife were both struck by COVID-19 last April.
Constantinides provided a harrowing account of his experience — and his family’s — when he discussed it on a Zoom and Facebook Live stream at the time.
“It was a really scary time… a very scary moment in our home,” he said.
He said that he had been hospitalized on three separate occasions while Lori spent 12 consecutive days in the hospital due to COVID-19 and required an oxygen mask to help her breathe.
It was particularly tough for Lori given her preexisting conditions. She had diabetes and was in need of a kidney transplant—and required dialysis.
The pair had to quarantine in his mother-in-law’s basement while they fought off COVID-19.
Their son Nico, an only child, remained healthy throughout the ordeal.
My wife Lori went home this morning after a long illness battling kidney failure and type 1 diabetes. Im at a loss for words as I grieve her Ioss. Thank you to all the friends and family who have helped for many years care for our family. I love you babymoo. Niko and I love you pic.twitter.com/epF3lHE2vq
— Costa Constantinides (@Costa4NY) April 19, 2021
Condolences messages have come flooding in.
“Sending you love and strength,” posted Queens Borough President Donovan Richards on twitter. “May Lori rest in peace Folded hands I’m here for you if you need anything brother.”
State Sen. Mike Gianaris also posted a heartfelt message about Constantinides.
“Few families have endured more hardship over the last year than Costa’s, and yet they continued to maintain their dignified manner through it all.”
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12 Comments
My deepest condolences on this terrible loss. I’m so sorry for you and your dear son. May you find comfort in the memories of her and in each passing day.
So so sorry for your loss -may the Lord comfort you, your son and family as you grieve this loss. May your wife be in the comfort of our Lord and be a guardian angel for your family ??
I am so sorry for your loss of your precious wife. I feel your pain and emptiness. May God grant you understand and peace with his abounding love as you grieve this devastating moment. Gary from Astoria Queensview.
The last time I took care of her I have to comb her hair good to present beautifully to her husband and transported via wheelchair to his car and it’s raining that day. I will missed this woman she always listen to me. My joke that why she always make sure I am working when she will be admitted to IMCU. She always mentioned that she loved her family and she wanted to get well soon fast.
You will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Nicholas. May her memory be eternal. ??
Condolences; a former long term Astoria Resident now living in Puerto Rico. I list my Costimu, from Mike’s Diner. He an “The Puerto Rican” were extremely good friends; I loved him to smithereens and back. May God comfort you with His reassurance that your live one is now in His embrace; that sense is what I have received as comfort from above.
This is such heartbreaking news. Deepest condolences to Costa and his family. May Lori’s memory be eternal.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
My heart breaks for Costa, his son and his family. What a devastating loss for all of us. Our hearts go out to Costa and his son and extended family. From our family to his, for so many of us who have benefited from Costa’s dedication in this community we share in their grief.
My deepest condolences Councilman Constantinidis May God give you strength
My sincere condolences Costa on the passing of your beloved wife. May she Rest In Peace with the Angels and May Her Memory Be Eternal
Not a fan of his politics but feel for him and his children. RIP