Tony Constantine Obituary (1953 - 2024)

Anthony (Tony) Czarra Constantine Jr., 71, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Boise, Idaho on February 11th, 2024 with family at his side. After a heart attack in his early fifties, Tony’s resilience and persistence to beat the odds gave him nearly 17 years longer than what was originally expected by medical professionals. His favorite and most trusted cardiologist, Dr. Mudd, went as far as to call him a “unicorn” and true medical anomaly. Few knew of Tony’s health struggles because he never let them define his quality of life. Tony lived each day like it was his last, finding joy in even the smallest and most mundane moments. Those close to him got to witness a man who, although faced with adversity, was able to keep smiling and making people laugh with his unforgettable wit and sense of humor. Tony was born on January 17th, 1953 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Anthony and Jeanne (Mitchell) Constantine. When he was only 15 years old, he started dragging brush with a tree-trimming crew on weekends and during summer vacations in Southern New Jersey. In time, Tony realized the “glory job” was up in the trees. He soon began teaching himself how to climb, while finding an ever-growing sense of love and admiration for trees and the care of them. Tony graduated from high school in 1971 and worked for various tree services as a climber and foreman before moving to Baker City in 1977 to help with a friend's business installing siding on houses. The moment he laid eyes on the Elkhorn Mountains and the valley below, he knew it would become his home. Although Tony originally came to Baker for construction work, he soon found himself doing what he did best and enjoyed most: tree work. It was years of labor and love that led to the fruition of Tony’s Tree Service in 1980, which still operates and remains a renowned business in Baker City today. In 1996, Tony met his wife, Lisa, and together they opened Oregon Trail Landscape and Nursery, another esteemed business in Baker City that remains present. Tony and Lisa married in the year 2000. It was with great pride Tony handed down the tree service to his son, Anthony Czarra Constantine III, a few years before his passing. Apart from work, Tony had an insatiable passion for fishing in places like the Oregon Coast and St. George Island in Florida. He spent countless years chasing birds and big game, even considering an elk hunt just months before he left us. Tony never turned down an opportunity to put on his boots and go on an adventure—especially if it meant being outdoors. Tony was intelligent and well-versed in all things history, politics, and current events. Although a remarkable teacher and educator, he remained an even better student. With how much he could recall about the civil war, you would have thought he lived it in an alternate life. Even in all his wisdom, Tony stayed curious and open-minded throughout his 71 years and could start up a conversation with anyone. It didn’t matter who you were, or what your story was; Tony wanted to hear it and did so with openness, generosity, and love. Even after he was gone, Tony’s giving spirit shined through as a willing tissue donor. There's a great irony in hearing several doctors say that Tony had the biggest heart they’d ever seen. Although this diagnosis eventually led to his passing, it is also a character trait many will remember him by. Tony did indeed have the biggest heart, and folks from across the valley and beyond live to tell of it. Although Tony portrayed a tough exterior, he would have done anything for the people he cared about. That included the thousands of customers he served for over 40 years in Baker. Tony was the kind of guy who, while there to prune your trees, was also willing to look at the leaking water heater you mentioned in passing. He paid attention to small details and showed his love for others through intentional action. Tony is survived by his loving and steadfast wife, Lisa; His son, Anthony (and family); His three bonus daughters: Sarah, Jamie, and Amanda (and family); And his six siblings: Ray, Kevin, Chris, Nick, Jennifer, and Jeanne (and family). A memorial service will be held later this spring to honor Tony, followed by a celebration of life. The family is still sorting out the specifics and will announce an official date and time in the coming weeks. Details can be found on the Tony’s Tree Service Facebook page, as well as the Oregon Trail Landscape and Nursery page.