"I am so sorry to find the obituary for Dr. Costianes. He was my dentist in the 1970's and I think of him every time I go to the dentist! He was a wonderful dentist and so personable. I'm still sporting a gold crown he did that is now nearly 40 years old! I mention his name each time I visit my dentist here in Georgia. My deepest sympathies go out to his family."
In loving memory of
Dr. Elias Nick Costianes, Sr
August 12, 1925 - December 2, 2015
Dr. Elias N. Costianes , 90, a long-time Morgantown dentist, and currently a resident of Good Shepherd Nursing Home, in Wheeling, WV, went to be with his Lord, on December 2, 2015, at Ohio Valley Medical Center, in Wheeling, WV, with family at his side.Elias was born August 12, 1925, in Greenville, PA, a son of the late Nicholas and Pota (Caravasos) Costianes.He is survived by four children, Pamela N. Costianes of Baltimore, MD, Debra E. (George) Frazier of Wheeling, WV, Karen A. (Joseph) DiNuzzo of Williamsburg, VA, and Elias N. Costianes II, of Germantown, MD.; and his brother Constantine (Dean) Costianes and brother's wife Marty Costianes.In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Katelyn E. Frazier of Canton, OH, Brockton P. (Victoria) Frazier of Leigh Acres, FL, Chad M. Frazier of Fort Myers, FL, Thomas A. DiNuzzo of Farmington, ME, Michael A. DiNuzzo of Alexandria, VA, and Brittany A. DiNuzzo (Christopher Owings), of Scottsdale, AZ.Elias was a graduate of Morgantown High School in 1943. He enlisted in the Navy from 1943-1946, where he was First Class Petty Officer -SONAR . He received an A.S. degree at West Virginia University in 1943, and graduated from the Baltimore College of Dentistry at the University of Maryland obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery, DDS, in 1953.Elias was an Associate Professor in the Department of Dental Anatomy and Comparative Dental Anatomy at West Virginia University from 1957-1959. He also began his dental practice in Morgantown, WV, in 1953, where he dedicated his life to helping his patients with their dental needs, as well as pioneering TMJ research and treatment. Elias was passionate about seeking and helping people that suffered from TMJ dysfunction. Elias became involved in extensive body chemistry and nutritional study in 1967 after experiencing some health issues. Elias was a loving father and grandfather. He cared deeply about his family and friends and attempted to live out his Christian faith and serve the God he loved. His friendly smile and warm sense of humor resulted in making many friends in the Morgantown area. Elias's hobbies included boating and water skiing on Cheat Lake, golfing, oil painting, TMJ and nutritional research, and always having a camera at his side to take pictures or videos of family and friends.Family and friends will be received will be at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, at 108 Holland Avenue, Morgantown, WV, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, December 18th and Saturday, December 19th, from 9:30 am until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 am officiated by Pastor Adam Mick. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at East Oak Grove Cemetery, Morgantown.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.To send a personal condolence, other symbolic gesture, or to order flowers, please visit the funeral home's website at www.smithfuneralandcremationcare.com.
Tributes
"I am sending condolences to the family of Dr. Costianes. He was a wonderful person. All who worked with him loved and admired him. I was employed there for over fifteen years, working with Sharon Garvin and several girls over the years. He was compassionant about his ability to serve folks in Morgantown. He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to learn the business of dental care and see the connection to over all health. I had the pleasure of knowing his mother who taught me much about Greek traditions and cooking. I loved her very much. I convey to the family my deepest sympathy. I would like to make contact with one of his daughters regarding a personal concern. I can be reached via email."
"On behalf of the members of the West Virginia Dental Association, I send condolences to the family of the Dr. Elias Costianes who was a long-time member of this Association. Please excuse my delay in responding, however, I only learned of his passing this weekend. Richard Stevens, Executive Director West Virginia Dental Associaiton"
"Our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of Doc. He was our family dentist for a number of years and provided excellent service. Sincerely, Diana and Bob"
"Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. Elias Nick Costianes, Sr.. Dr. Costianes as a long-time Morgantown dentist and businessperson impacted many lives directly through his dental practice, but also through his outgoing , friendly, sincere and authentic care for others ( often with some humor added) including his family, his dental clients, but also his Morgantown High School Class of 1943 classmates and many friends and associates in Morgantown , WV.and elsewhere. Elias was always very supportive of his Morgantown High School class reunions and provided assistance to the class reunion chairperson Mary Templeton regularly. Upon meeting Elias locally such as at a restaurant (frequent diner at Morgantown Eat ' n Park where staff and customers all knew him well) or area store you always concluded the contact interaction knowing more about Morgantown,, newer advancements in dentistry / biological sciences/health /wellness and updates about mutual friends and always with a smile on your face which mirrored the trademark smile Elias shared with all.He became a fixture in the Morgantown community for his service and dedication to his profession and public, but he always maintained love for his family which was enduring.As a student who attended Morgantown High School with his daughter Karen we also became friends and later became friends with her sisters too.Elias was an avid supporter of education and also supported the Mohigan Red and Blue Marching Band regularly along with MHS athletics as well as WVU Athletics.May his family now celebrate his life and reflect on the rich memories shared communicating them with others and in so doing keep Elias's memory alive in the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of all who were fortunate to know him and call him friend. .Blessings to each of the Costianes family know many are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and also look forward to continued friendship with your family as we recall Dr. Elias Nick Costianes Sr as one who made a difference in our lives many years and created lasting memories filled with happiness and thanks for his service."
"A wonderful dentist. Taught me how to care for my teeth when I was a young girl at WVU. Always kind to me and my father. Condolences to his family."
"In memory of a life well lived and a wonderful legacy of helping others."
"The Costianes family is a lovely family. I have spoken to Pam so many times, and I know from her voice how much she loves her Dad. I believe in Heaven, so I know that Dr. Costianes is in Heaven, and I believe that Dr. Costianes knows that he is loved and missed."
"Dr. Costanes was my dentist way back in 1958 to 1970, and I have fond memories of him as a dentist and friend. My deepest sympathy to the family."