Obituary

Susan Ruth (Clapper) Costantino, 75, of Windber, PA, was called home on October 23, 2026.  Born on August 5, 1951, in Huntingdon, PA, to Charles S. and Lena (Carbaugh) Clapper. Susan lived a life characterized by her devotion to her family, passion for helping others, and her incredible sense of humor.

Susan graduated from Windber Area High School in 1969 and Presbyterian-University Hospital School of Nursing in 1972. She went on to have a fulfilling career as a pediatric nurse. After her retirement, she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, organized fundraisers for pediatric cancer research, and doted relentlessly on her 14 grandchildren.

This September, Susan reached her final goal of raising a total of $50,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Her dedication to childhood cancer research will live on in every new step toward a cure. When she was healthy, she never missed a grandchild’s event. Susan believed food was the heart of happiness. She was known around Windber Stadium and high school gym for her generous supply of snacks.  Every Sunday, for the last 15+ years, she prepared lunch at her home for her ever-growing family.

Susan is survived by her husband of 50 years, Nick; children, Angela (Mike) Vuckovich, Gina (Jarod) Oyler, Abby (Tim) Hoffman, and Nicholas Jr. (Laura Shannon); her grandchildren, Kya, Alex, Ayda and Vivian Vuckovich, Marlee, Pacey, Eilam and Jude Oyler, Paige, Lena, and Chase Bennethum, Spencer Hoffman, and Basil and Helena Costantino; brother, Samuel D. Clapper (Fern Snyder); and in-laws, Yvonne (Mark) Sollenberger, Anthony Costantino, Stephen Costantino and Elaine Costantino. Susan had many special nieces and nephews, Steve, David and Ellen, Mike, Mark and Lisa.

Susan’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Windber Hospice and Laurelview Village for the excellent care that Susan received during her journey. Susan was visited and comforted by many close friends and family who loved her dearly. There are too many to name individually, but everyone is loved and appreciated. Her last months were a true celebration of her life and the impact that she had on so many people.

In lieu of flowers, Susan requested that donations be made to St. Baldrick’s Foundation:

St. Baldrick’s Foundation (note recipient ID FR-33696 on checks)

1333 S. Mayflower Ave, Suite 400, Monrovia, CA 91016; st.baldricks.org/fundraisers/Costantino2026 (recipient ID FR-33696)

Friends will be received on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 4:00 til 7:00 at Simple Alternatives, 717 Main Street, Windber, PA 15963. Additional gathering time will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 10:00 until the time of service at 11:00 also at the funeral home. Arrangements in care of Simple Alternatives, Inc. Affordable Cremation & Sensible Funeral Care. Condolences may be made at SimpleAlternativeCares.com.