In Remembrance: Peter J. Costanza ’72 Died on June 20 2026

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Peter J. Costanza of Somerville, Massachusetts, passed away at home on June 20, 2026, at the age of 75. He is survived by Barbara Zimbel, his partner and wife of 40 years; his daughters Sasha Costanza-Chock (Yara Liceaga-Rojas) and Larissa Miele (Richard Miele); Barbara’s daughter Leila Zimbel; five grandchildren: Colette and Hudson Miele, Elias and Sol Estívaliz-Liceaga, and Inarú Fernández-Liceaga; his brother Walter Costanza; sister Suzanne Costanza; and his good friend Carol Chock.

Peter was born in New York City and, after graduating from Yale University undergraduate and Cornell University Law school, lived in Ithaca, New York—later moving to the Boston area where he practiced law at Prisoners’ Legal Services (then Correctional Legal Services) for over 30 years. He worked on litigation to improve prison conditions, challenged unconstitutional solitary confinement, and fought for due process for incarcerated people. He was a lifelong “lefty” supporting progressive causes and organizations.

He loved flying things, science fiction, art, and music, and still had a giant collection of vinyl dating back to the early ’60s. He and Barbara traveled the world together and, until his retirement, took the train to work together every day. He was thoughtful, often quiet, and kind. He loved his children and grandchildren and chocolate.

Donations in his name can be made to the social justice organization of your choice. A memorial will be planned in the future.

—Submitted by the family.