Teacher John 'Doc' Costantini Leaves Library to Students, Colleagues

On June 21, Doc Costantini, 70, of Ellicott City, succumbed to complications from the heart problems he had been battling since 2005. Born in Baltimore's Highlandtown, he was educated at Calvert Hall High School and then earned multiple degrees from Marquette, University of Wisconsin, University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins.

Mr. Costantini helped found the Humanities program at Centennial High School, where he taught for over 30 years and was named Teacher of the Year many times. Prior to that, he taught at Oakland Mills High School and at Cardinal Gibbons in Baltimore. A film aficionado, he also created the film program at Howard Community College and taught there for many years.

Mr. Costantini gained local renown for his high standards, "old fashioned" Socratic method, intimidating facade, biting wit, irreverence, Baltimore-boy charm, sartorial splendor, terrible handwriting, and genuine affection for both his students and the literature he taught. His (handwritten) will included the following message: "Thanks to all of the students I taught over a 40+-year career. It was an honor of great magnitude to teach you and to know all of you. May your lives be full of prosperity and happiness!"

Also in his will, Mr. Costantini bequeathed his library of thousands of books to a friend and former student who would like to share its riches with other former students and colleagues. If you would like any books from Mr. Costantini's library as a remembrance, email evavinson@gmail.com by July 20 to make arrangements. Nothing would please Doc more than to know that his books are being cherished by his former students and colleagues.

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