Constantin Cojocariu

Constantin Cojocariu, known to all who loved him as "Titi," left us peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the age of 60. Born on June 27, 1965, in Baia Mare, Romania, Titi's life was defined by his passion for rugby, his unwavering loyalty to family, and his generous spirit that touched everyone he met. Growing up in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains region, young Titi discovered his love for rugby at age 12 when he joined a local youth team. Standing tall even then, he quickly became known for his gentle nature off the field and his fierce determination on it. His mother would often laugh about having to replace the backyard fence after Titi and his friends would practice their scrummaging techniques at home. "That boy could bring down anything," she'd say, "except maybe my cooking!" Titi's rugby career with CSM Știința Baia Mare and the Romanian national team brought him both local fame and international recognition. He played as a lock with remarkable skill and sportsmanship, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. But ask him about his proudest achievements, and he'd always talk about his two daughters, Maria and Elena, whom he coached in their own rugby endeavors, or about the annual neighborhood tournament he organized for local children, regardless of their skill level. Family meant everything to Titi. His wife, Ana, was his high school sweetheart, and together they built a home filled with laughter, Sunday dinners that stretched into the evening, and impromptu backyard rugby matches where Titi would "accidentally" let the kids win. His sisters, Ioana and Raluca, remember him as the protective older brother who taught them to stand their ground - both in rugby and in life. "He had this way of making everyone feel like they could tackle any challenge," Ioana recalls. Beyond rugby, Titi had a passion for woodworking, creating beautiful pieces of furniture that now grace the homes of family and friends. He believed in the value of hard work, the importance of community, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. His famous mămăligă (traditional Romanian polenta) was a staple at every gathering, and he took great pride in teaching his grandchildren how to make it, passing down both the recipe and the stories that went with it. Titi's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched - through his rugby career, his volunteer coaching, his community work, and most importantly, through the love and values he instilled in his family. He taught us all to face life's challenges with courage, to celebrate victories with humility, and to always, always make time for family. As his daughter Maria said at his farewell gathering, "Dad didn't just play rugby - he lived it. He showed us that life, like the game, is about teamwork, perseverance, and getting back up when you're knocked down." Constantin Cojocariu is survived by his loving wife Ana, daughters Maria and Elena, sisters Ioana and Raluca, and four grandchildren who will forever remember their "Tata" as their biggest fan and most patient teacher. The world lost a remarkable man, but heaven gained a gentle giant who will be forever missed and always remembered.