Constantin Cojocariu

Constantin Cojocariu, known to everyone who loved him as "Costel," left us on March 11, 2026, at the age of 60. Born on June 27, 1965, in Baia Mare, Romania, Costel was a man whose presence filled any room he entered. He was a devoted husband to his wife Elena for 35 wonderful years, a proud father to his two children, and a doting grandfather whose grandchildren called him "Tataie" with pure adoration. Costel's life revolved around family, rugby, and his infectious laughter. As a lock for CSM Știința Baia Mare and the Romanian national rugby team, he was known for his strength on the field and his leadership off it. His teammates became lifelong friends, and he never missed an opportunity to gather them for a barbecue or watch old match tapes together. After retiring from professional rugby, Costel coached youth teams, sharing his passion with the next generation. He had a gift for making everyone feel included, whether they were seasoned players or nervous beginners. At home, Costel was the heart of our family. He could fix anything with duct tape and determination, and his garden was his pride—rows of tomatoes and peppers that he'd proudly compare with the neighbors. Sunday afternoons were sacred: Elena's sarmale, Costel's stories from his playing days, and the kids running around the backyard. He had this way of making ordinary moments feel special, whether it was teaching his son to drive or dancing with his daughter at her wedding. Costel faced his final months with the same courage he showed on the rugby field. Even as his health declined, he worried more about others than himself, checking in on friends and making sure everyone was okay. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled—hard work, loyalty, and the importance of showing up for the people you love. We'll miss his bear hugs, his terrible jokes, and the way he'd whistle while working in his garage. But most of all, we'll miss his unwavering belief that life, like rugby, is best played with heart. Costel is survived by his wife Elena, children Andrei and Maria, four grandchildren, and countless friends whose lives he touched. The final whistle has blown, but his spirit will always be on our team.