Kostinden, William “Bill” – Of Reading, February 26th. Beloved husband of the late Margaret (Pappas). Devoted Father of Maureen White and Wilson Pye of Reading, Deborah Greenleaf and husband David of Medford and the late William and Stephen Kostinden. Son of the late Sotir and Anna Kostinden. Brother of the late Angelina Yanakopulos, Thomas, Christie and George Kostinden. Grandfather of Kelly Hobart and husband David of Billerica, Nicole Jones of Malden, Devin Newton and husband Jason of Ashland, Kayte Kostinden of NH and the late Bryan, Scott and Matthew Greenleaf. Great grandfather of Kylie and Hannah Hobart, Larenze Dean, Stephen Jones and Lukas and Shane Larabee.
Bill was born April 23, 1929 the third child of Albanian parents who along with his sister immigrated to the United States. He grew up in an Albanian neighborhood in Somerville and had a wonderful childhood. His father instilled a tremendous work ethic from the start. His first job as a young teenager was shining shoes at North Station. If it was a good day, he would be lucky enough to catch a double header of his beloved Red Sox at Fenway Park. Following high school, Bill joined his Dad in the produce business, and hence the name S. Kostinden & Son. For Bill that was the beginning of his soon to be long lasting career. When Bill’s Father retired, he and his brothers Chris and George then started Commonwealth Fruit and Produce Company what grew to become the second largest produce company in New England.
At the age of 21, Bill was introduced by a friend to Margaret Pappas who was also Albanian and she sung in the choir at the church they both attended. They went on to marry and have four children. As years passed, Bill’s sons also joined the family business. When Bill retired, he also taught his grandchildren the trade, and to this day some remain engaged in the produce business. Because of his passion and work ethic, Bill nurtured and helped the grandchildren in both Massachusetts and in Florida.
In his leisure time, Bill had a love for Florida and would frequently take the family to vacation there. In later years he lived in Hollywood Florida with his wife and more recently Delray Beach Florida with his daughter Maureen and Wilson. Eventually returning to Massachusetts he would split his time between his daughters Maureen and Debbie. He loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and great children. Every Sunday you would find him playing cards and watching sports with his son-in-law Dave and his grandchildren Matthew and Scott. He loved his card games, was also in many poker tournaments in Palm Beach and was engaged in Fantasy Baseball, Football and Basketball. He lived a long, happy and prosperous life and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral Services will be held for Bill at the Cota Funeral Home in North Reading on Saturday February 29th at 11am. Relatives and friends may visit prior to the service from 9-11am Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in Bill's name to St. George Cathedral, 523 East Broadway, Boston, MA 02127.
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