Tribute for ROLAND PAUL CONSTANTIN (Services)
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Welcome to the memorial page for

ROLAND PAUL CONSTANTIN

January 15, 1927 ~ May 28, 2017 (age 90) 90 Years Old
Roland Paul Constantin – Obituary
Roland Paul Constantin passed away peacefully in his home on May 28, 2017. He said of his own life: “My old body gave it up, but only after a wonderful life. I walked in beauty with the earth and so many good people. I can never show enough gratitude because, in the end, the people in your life do so much in shaping and refueling who you are. I always knew I was loved – the most loving wife and children, brothers and sisters, extended family and friends, we shared so much laughter together – you cannot laugh without love! To all of you, even if I haven’t talked to you in a while, you are still in my heart. At this point, I see the road is turning and I wonder... what’s around the bend?!”

Roland is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson Constantin; his daughters Lisette Constantin (M. Lee Page, Jr) and Nicole Constantin Sellers (David); his grandchildren Mason Page, Simone Page, Ian Sellers, and Alec Sellers; his daughter-in-law Kathy Young; his brother Andre Pierre Constantin; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Armand Joseph Constantin Sr and Adele Manning Constantin, his son Christopher Armand Constantin, and his siblings Jaqueline Constantin Fox, Armand Joseph Constantin Jr, and Mignon Constantin Wolfe.

Roland was born January 15, 1927 in New Orleans. He was curious, independent, and full of a unique energy from the start. As a young man his hair led to the nickname “Red” and it suited his “up for anything” attitude. Although he lived to 90 and his hair was no longer red, he was always Red in spirit!

Roland joined the Army to serve in World War II and was stationed in Japan. Returning home, he attended Loyola on the GI Bill where he met his beloved Elizabeth and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History. He then graduated from LSU with a Master’s degree in History and spent his teaching career primarily at Holy Cross and at Abramson High Schools in New Orleans. His legacy as a teacher is monumental – he was an inspiration to thousands. Roland had the enthusiasm of a young teacher fresh out of college ready to instill a true curiosity and love of learning in his students. He loved knowing about the world and he eagerly passed that along. As a Historian, he thought in terms of major trends and the story of humanity. He was a critical thinker and believed in equality as a fundamental principle. Roland was a voracious reader, captivating story teller, and a free-spirited poet.

After retirement, he brought his particular brand of high energy teaching to the Academy of the Sacred Heart where he volunteered with 1st - 4th grade students. He taught all the fun and interesting things about the world that they would not ordinarily learn in a classroom and gave out peppermints after a lesson. He was adored by the girls and affectionately known as Mr. C. He always said he knew what it must have been like to be a Beatle because he was always mobbed by the girls when he showed up at ASH. Roland always had a gift for connecting with people – children especially were drawn to his authentic style (and peppermints).

Above all, he treasured his family and loved ones. One of the ways he would let you know he was thinking of you was to cut articles from the newspaper and mail them to you wherever you may be in the world. He did this for so many of us that he took over the spare bedroom to organize the articles. You never knew when you might get one of his big brown envelopes bursting with interesting facts. Roland loved travelling. He adored the time he spent living in Europe as a young teacher with Betty and Chris. Later, he spent every summer with his family camping in National Parks all over the country. Caring for the environment for future generations was of utmost importance to him. He had a keen sensibility and constantly found beauty in the world around him.


Please join us in the celebration of Roland’s life on Thursday June 29 at Academy of the Sacred Heart Chapel, 4521 St Charles Avenue. Visitation will be 10am-12pm, with a memorial service beginning at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Park Foundation. JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com

 Service Information

Visitation
Thursday
June 29, 2017

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Academy of The Sacred Heart
4521 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115

Service
Thursday
June 29, 2017

12:00 PM
Academy of The Sacred Heart
4521 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115


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