Lambro "Larry" Constas

Lambro A. “Larry” Constas, 90, of Quincy, died peacefully after a long illness.

Lambro Lazarus “Larry” Constas was the youngest child of Anthony and Christine (Annasoulis) Constas. Born

prematurely at 4 Roslin Street, Dorchester on April 21, 1935, on the day after Easter, the unusual and harrowing circumstances of his birth gave rise to his unusual names. Raised in Dorchester with his sister Tina and two brothers, Perry and Charlie, Larry was a gifted athlete from a young age. He excelled especially at basketball, and earned all scholastic honors at Dorchester High, where his swarthy good looks also earned him the affectionate and mercifully long-forgotten nickname “Tonto.” A pure shooter who beat most comers at “21,” he modelled his play after his basketball idol Bill Russell: rebounding, tenacious defense, and near reckless hustle. He played this way into his 50s, until an ill-advised 2-on-2 scrimmage in his backyard with some trash-talking recent college grads resulted in a ruptured Achilles tendon. His game was never the same after that. His dedication to physical fitness, however, never waned. He was an early runner and, in has latter decades, an avid walker.

Larry enlisted in the United States Army in 1954, on the advice of a girl he had met the previous year, and to whom he would soon be engaged: Genevieve Gaudiano of Quincy, Massachusetts. After his discharge from the service in 1956, Larry and Gen married. Together they raised four children on Rustic Place in Quincy, in a house on a small hill that was good for sledding and riding Big Wheels, with a once-wooded backyard that he, his children, and their friends cleared for a field big enough for almost any sport. The addition of a basketball hoop and a swimming pool made their home a place where many young people of all ages spent (and misspent) a lot of time. Larry, who was adamant that childhood should be fun, was proud about this, if not always pleased in the moment.

Larry was equally committed to the idea that adulthood should be fun, and in that vein often worried that people were taking things too seriously. He loved attending plays and concerts—especially jazz-- and going to the movies. In their retirement, he and Gen enjoyed travelling throughout the United States, babysitting grandchildren, visiting Foxwoods—his game was blackjack—and watching television. He had a deep and, to many, baffling appreciation for Ballantine ale, Metaxa brandy and Moxie. But probably his favorite thing of all was watching his children and grandchildren have fun, especially at sports.

His love of fun and games, however, did not prevent him from doing serious and difficult things. While his children were all still in school, he attended night school at Northeastern University and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. This began a career that took him from working on nuclear submarines at the Fore River Shipyard; to his own business recruiting and placing engineers in the nuclear power industry; to transitional employment assistance for the City of Quincy, the job from which he ultimately retired in the year 2000.

Larry found his perfect match in Gen, to whom he was married for 68 years. Together they made friends wherever they went. His care for her during her long decline was an inspiration for many, as was their marriage. Larry will be remembered as a devoted husband, an attentive father, a loving and kind grandfather, and a loyal and reliable friend. Most of all, he will be remembered as a great guy.

Larry was predeceased by his wife of 68 years Genevieve (Gaudiano) Constas. He is survived by their children Paula Constas of Somerville, Christopher Lambro Constas and his wife Stacey, of Wakefield, Steven Constas and his wife Stacie, of Dover, NH and James A. Constas and his wife June, of Quincy, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother Constantine “Charles” Constas, and his wife Stella; his sister-in-law Athena Constas; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless friends made along the way.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend his visitation on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 8:30am until 10:30am at the Hamel-Lydon Chapel, 650 Hancock St, Quincy. His Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11:00am in St. Mary’s Church of Divine Mercy Parish, 95 Crescent St, West Quincy. Private interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s memory to the Special Olympics of New Hampshire, P.O. Box 3598, Concord, NH 03302 or online at www.sonh.org.