Louis "Lou" R. Constantino

Louis R. Constantino (Louie-Louie), 78, of Vassar, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 following complications from a stroke.

He was born September 9, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Louis and Delores (Fabiano) Constantino. He graduated from Swissvale High School in 1965. Following high school, he attended Pratt Junior College and earned his Associates degree. Later, Lou attended Washburn University and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Communications.

While studying at Pratt Junior College, he met the love of his life, Cindy Renner. They were married on December 22, 1967 in Pratt, KS. Lou and Cindy welcomed two children into their union in marriage, Christine and Louie. 

Lou began his radio career at KWNS in Pratt, Kansas in 1965. After moving to Topeka in 1967, he continued in radio at KEWI, and over the next 57 years he spun his oldies at various stations in Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City, which included a nationally syndicated request show. In addition, he was the long time host of The Outdoor Sportsman show on the radio. One of the highlights of his radio career was starting and managing Oldies 102.9.

 The final Louie Louie Show aired on WREN Digital Media on Friday, April 12th, 2024. 

His show was heard around the world from Germany to Japan. Cindy worked closely with Lou answering the request line, organizing the music, creating trivia and special shows. 

Outside of radio, Lou had jobs that brought him close to what he loved best, talking to people. Whether it be selling cars, selling seafood or selling advertising, it made him happy.

Lou and Cindy also owned and operated two Italian restaurants. Lou was a great cook, having learned from his mother. His father grew up in Naples, Italy so Lou learned all about seafood from him.

 Lou was also a long time volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, working many years on the local Jerry Lewis Telethon.

 One of his proudest accomplishments was raising money for a liver transplant for his friend, Ray Ramirez. As a result, the law in the state of Kansas was changed allowing insurance to help cover the costs.

He often helped raise money for public television, KTWU, especially when they were featuring a series on oldies music. 

Fishing was a passion for Lou. After longing for a place with a farm pond, his dream came true 22 years ago. He could step out his front door and go fishing anytime. Lou also loved the ocean and hoped that one day he could live there.

He was a member of the Grace Community Church of Topeka, where his son, Louie, is the pastor. Lou became a Christ follower around 2000 and was baptized shortly thereafter.

Lou had great love and pride for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He leaves behind his wife, Cindy; two children, Christine Constantino (Mark) and Louie (Terra) Constantino; beloved grandchildren, Abigail Gray, Alex (Dalton) Minckley, Ashlyn Kaempfe and Phoenix (Ashton), Bronze (Lauren), Journey, Louie, Rocky and Giovonni Constantino; his great grandchildren, Weston and Gannon Gray, Collins Hall, Ignatius Constantino and Daxton Minckley; his siblings, Dolores Lacko, Marie Johnson, Leo Constantino, Anthony Constantino, Ronald Constantino and Gary Constantino. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Grace Community Church (4300 SW Burlingame) in Topeka, KS. His family will greet relatives and friends starting at 9:30am. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Grace Community Church of Topeka.

To share a memory of Louis or leave a special message for his family, visit the guestbook below.