Peter C. Kostantacos 1924-2012
Peter C. Kostantacos, 88, passed away on June 11 at Provena St. Anne Center after a lingering illness. He was born Feb. 14, 1924 in Rockford, the son of Charles and Metaxia (Heotis) Kostantacos.
He attended Rockford schools and in 1942, he enrolled in Beloit College. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Reserve. After one semester, he received his notice to report to active duty. Peter became a B17 pilot assigned to the 31st Bomber Group of the Fifteenth Air Force. While co-piloting a return from a mission over Yugoslavia in 1945, his plane took enemy fire and went down in the Adriatic Sea. Of the 10 crew members, Peter was one of 7 survivors to raft to a nearby island. They all were eventually brought back safely and he flew 11 more missions.
After the war, he returned to Beloit College, he became a Life Loyal member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, and received his undergraduate degree in 1948. He enrolled in U. of Michigan and received his law degree in 1952. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1952.
Soon thereafter, he was hired by the firm of Thomas and Davis located in the Talcott Building where he maintained his law practice for almost 60 years. Among his valued clients were Rock Valley College, Woodward, Clinton Electronics, HCI, and many fine individuals and their families. He was instrumental in establishing the Rock Valley Community College District. He served there as the attorney for the Board of Trustees for many years.
Peter was honored in 2011 with the naming of the Peter C. Kostantacos Lobby in the Karl J. Jacobs Center for Science and Math at Rock Valley College. He was a former Republican Precinct Committeeman. Later, he chaired the Winnebago County Republican Central committee for several years.
In 1968, Peter was named Assistant Attorney General for Winnebago Co. for Inheritance Tax Division. He was recognized by his peers with the prestigious Seeley P. Forbes Memorial Award in 2009.
He has served on numerous boards and developed many lasting friendships. He proudly served on the Etnyre Board of Directors for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Order and Tebala Shrine. Peter was proud of his Greek heritage and his faith deeply rooted in the Orthodox Church. A devoted member of St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, he served several terms on the Parish Council in various offices. He was awarded the honored Medal of St. Paul by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in 1998.
Peter is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Pauline Koplos; his children, Charles Kostantacos of Rockford, Tasha (Norman) Olsen of Portsmouth, NH, Angelique (David) Stuckey of Machesney Park, IL and Gregory (Maria) Kostantacos of Caledonia, IL; his grandchildren, Alexander and Andrew Stuckey, Peter G. Kostantacos, and Elizabeth and Alessandria Grisanzio; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, a brother, and 2 sisters.
The family would like to thank the staff of OSF St. Anthony Hospital and Provena St. Anne Center for their care and compassion.