Evelyn Pacione Constantine

Evelyn Pacione Constantine, age 99, of Smock passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024 at Mt. Macrina Manor surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 10, 1924, she was the youngest child of Carlo Vincenzo and Maria Dionisi Pacione. Evelyn, born “Evalina”, grew up a first-generation American with seven siblings on her parents’ farm, helping to run their family greenhouse business. It was the beginning of her lifelong appreciation for the land that bears our food and the hands of those who plant it. It was thanks to this greenhouse that she met her husband, Robert N. Constantine. They were married for 63 years before his death in 2008. In addition to her parents and husband, Evelyn was preceded in death by her only son,Richard Constantine; and siblings Arcola Pacione, Raymond Pacione, Louigina Ginestre, Nicoletta Maimone, Orienta Marinacci, Lina Pollastrone, and Ida Wells. Surviving are her daughters Doreen Constantine of Pittsburgh, Donna (Gib) Grote of Smock, and Maria (Matt) Vecchione of Glen Ridge, NJ; daughter-in-law Marcia Constantine of Uniontown; grandchildren Jill Chisnell, Richard (Trisha) Constantine, Alex (Natalie) Grote, Devan (Doug) White, Nicholas and Alec Vecchione; great-grandchildren Tripp and Lucas White and Gunner, Josie, and Bo Grote; and many nieces and nephews that were near and dear to her heart. Evelyn’s love of farming continued throughout her life as she assisted in the operations of the family business, Constantine Farms, and later spent decades raising and selling produce and pumpkins alongside her husband Bob in their beloved big white barn. Referred to once as a “professional volunteer,” she loved her time spent as a 4-H leader teaching kids to sew, cook, and craft, as a St. Vincent DePaul volunteer helping those in need, as an advisory board member for Penn State Extension, and as a Christian Mother and devoted parishioner of the former St. Hedwig’s R.C. Church in Smock. Rarely did she miss a Sunday mass, a Fayette County Fair, or a PA Farm Show. From her farmhouse as a child to her farmhouse as a great-grandmother, the sounds of the Tarantella and the smell of fried peppers filled the halls. Undoubtedly, some of her favorite memories in both homes took place every Sunday afternoon around the dining room table surrounded by her family and a plethora of home cooked foods. If you listen closely today, you can hear the cackling from her Sunday table in heaven that is filled with loved ones she has waited so long to see again. The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the amazing caregivers and staff at Mt. Macrina Manor and Amedisys Hospice. Family and friends will be received at the DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 65 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, PA, Stacey A. Dolfi, FD, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM at which time a prayer service will be held in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3332 Pittsburgh Rd Perryopolis, PA 15473 with Father Efren Ambre officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. A vigil service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, buy produce and pumpkins from your local farm this harvest and share them with your neighbors and those you love. Donations in Evelyn’s honor may also be made to Mt. Macrina Manor–Resident Activity Fund, 520 West Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401.

Evelyn Pacione Constantine

November 10, 1924 - September 17, 2024