Obituaries
Joseph R. Costello, 92
April 03, 2020
Joseph R. Costello, 92, of Lancaster, PA, passed away at his residence surrounded by his family on Friday, April 3, 2020.
He was the husband of the late Elaine R. Brown Costello, who passed away in 2011. Born in Mount Carmel, he was the son of the late John and Angelina Urella Costello.
Joe had retired in 1975 from the RCA Corporation, working as a production analyst for 20 years. He also worked at varied locations of A&P Supermarkets and for 10 years for Wachovia Bank. In his “free time”, Joe assisted his long-time friend, Bob Johnson, in catering Lancaster events and working at the concession stands at Stumpf Field during the Lancaster Red Roses baseball games. Following retirement, Joe worked for the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes and at the Manheim Auto Auction.
Joe was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, where he was a past member of the parish council and served as a Eucharistic Minister, Sexton and Usher. Joe and Elaine were very active within the life of the parish including committee work on the annual “Blizzard Ball” and the Thanksgiving Day meals served to the public. Joe was also one of the founding members of the St. Anne Youth Baseball League that operated in the 1960’s. Lancaster Catholic High School sports fans will remember Joe as the game day ticket seller.
For many years, Joe had a locker at the Rocky Springs Bowling Center where he participated in a number of leagues. In his younger days, Joe was an avid golfer, played softball, and coached youth sports. When his playing days were over Joe was frequently found at the events of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Raised in Mt. Carmel, PA, Joe remained loyal to the Red Tornados and all things Coal Region throughout his life. He relished introducing himself to strangers and finding they had the Coal Region as a common life experience.
He was a third degree with the Knights of Columbus Council #867 , a member of American Legion Post 34, and the Hubley Social Club.
Joe was a US Navy veteran, serving during World War II and for 12 years in the Naval Reserves.
He is survived by his children: Keith J. married to Louise Costello of Havre de Grace, MD, Kerrie C. married to Steve Snavely of Lancaster, Karen E. Costello husband to the late Patrick (deceased) of West Chester, Kathy E. married to Mark Freeman of Morristown, NJ, and Kristine C. married to T. Bradford Hampton of Brownstown, PA; his 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; his brother Anthony married to Joan Costello of Pleasanton, CA and by his special “buddy” Barbara McCreary, Lititz, PA. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Rose Hynoski, Phil, Samuel, John, Mary, and Angelina Costello, Theresa Ilg, and Lena Neary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a later time, for which an announcement will be published. Private interment services were in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to St. Anne’s Catholic School, 108 E. Liberty St., Lancaster, PA 17602.
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Condolences to the Family
April 14, 2021
Costello Family,
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Enjoyed many good times with the Costello’s family reunions in Lancaster. Your parents were an amazing couple, great people to spend time with. Their door was always open! As one of the Taylor kids from Bethlehem always looked forward to seeing them! I’m sure they are having quite a reunion with all their siblings, cousins and aunts & uncles. God Bless all of you!
Barbara Taylor Sedlock
April 14, 2020
My deepest condolences to the entire Costello family. Joe was a wonderful man loved by many. He will be sorely missed. I remember the good old days on Shippen Street. RIP Joe
Sandy Peachey
April 13, 2020
Dear Costello family – our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I always enjoyed chatting with Joe whenever I saw him – he always had something to say that brightened my day.
Mike and Terry Tafelski
April 12, 2020
To all of the Costello family your Father was a delighted and will truly be missed. Your parents have a special place in my heart and were truly wonderful people. So many of us enjoyed our high school year with them and your family they always made it fun and welcoming. My prayers are with you all.
Kathy Elizabeth Leque
April 12, 2020
Kerrie and Steve,
Deepest sympathies to you and your family. Hope everyone is well and thoughts and prayers are with u all during this time of sorrow.
Bot Roda
April 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family. ❤️
Lora Zangari
April 12, 2020
I was sad to read about Joe’s passing but at the same time, I had a smile. St. Anne’s grade school with after school at the Costello house. A&P store with my mother and Joe’s special smile. Great memories for me. He and your mother were special gifts to us all. Paul Sheaffer
April 12, 2020
Dear Costello Family,
Joe and myself would meet one hour before Mass to discuss the problems of the world. His brother in coal regions, the yankees, LCHS sports, Penn State football as well as special coal region ethnic foods were the most common of topics. Joe and Elaine as well as your entire family will always be in my prayers.
Stephen R. Ihnat
April 12, 2020
Dear Chris and family,
We are so sorry that Joe has passed.
Bob and I enjoyed our many after church conversations with you, regarding your outstanding father, Joe. “They just don’t make them, like they used to.” came up fequently, during these conversations.
We chuckle when we think of his sense of humor and his wise cracks.
Although he is physically away, his example of how to have a goodlife, be a good role model and faithful servant are a legacy.
We were blessed to know Joe.
Bev and Bob Lech
April 08, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. I always enjoyed talking to him, and I appreciated his sense of humor. Whenever I would cantor at a funeral at St. Anne’s, and he was serving, he would always say to me….”Couldn’t they get anybody else?” We would both laugh. Joe certainly had a servant’s heart at St. Anne’s Church and in the community. Now he is reunited with his lovely wife, Elaine. Well done good and faithful servant. Rest In God’s Peace. Jill Ferretti
April 08, 2020
Mr Costello, what a fun loving and sweet man and father. I loved having the opportunity growing up with the Costellos as neighbors and when you walked in the home Joe and Elaine would welcome you with a gracious smile.
God bless the Costello family, along with deepest sympathy.
Maria Zangari Edwards
April 08, 2020
To the entire Costello family,
I will truly miss Joe and our many chats in the halls of St. Anne’s. He was a true pillar of our parish and a very special man. One of my earliest memories are of him are at the A & P when i went grocery shopping with my mother. That was a lifetime ago!! Well done good and faithful servant. Love and sympathy to you all.
Cathy Ward Showalter
April 07, 2020
Hi Costello “kids”,
To me your dad was like my dad’s younger brother. My fun uncle. Back then adults really didn’t give much time to goofy teenagers, but your dad would always chat me up in such a manner that I felt he liked me and that I mattered. I tried to pass that on to my students. Some people are truly irreplaceable. I think we knew more than our share through our parents and many of their friends. God bless us all. …Jim Johnson
April 07, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss especially at this difficult time. Thought and prayers are with you all.
Helen McFarlane
April 07, 2020
Uncle Joe is now joined with Aunt Elaine – an awesome couple who raised a wonderful family. A deep loss will remain but feel very blessed having them in our lives.
Rosemary and Garth
April 07, 2020
While I have been able to speak with Kerrie to express my sympathy, I just wanted the rest of the Costello family to know how very sorry I am at your Dad’s passing. He was always a special guy with a smile as big as his heart. I am sure you all have very special memories of an extraordinary father and gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Sheila Schoeplein
April 07, 2020
Dear Kerrie,
The sun shines down upon usand gives us warmth and light.Then when the day has ended,it disappears from sight.Though we’re left in darkness,we know the sun has not died,for it is shining brightlyon the world’s other side.So it is when one we lovecomes to their end of days.They just go to the other sideto shine their loving rays.That’s why heaven is a placethat glows beyond compare.The lights of those who’ve left usare all brightly shining there.
Love,
z
April 07, 2020
Joe and Elaine loved and and nurtured a strong family. His memory, dry wit and infectious smile live on through them.
Ed Costello and Family
April 07, 2020
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Maria Pia Castiello
April 07, 2020
To Keith, Louise, Kerrie, Karen, Kathy, Kristine, and the entire Costello family,
I never met another man who embellished the role of Father, as Mr.C. It was a privilege to have known him for all of the 60+ years I have known him. He always had a smile on his face, and was always ready to help another in any way that he could.
I know one reaction of the loss of a beloved person is to say “I wish he were here with us”. Always keep in your hearts that you never have to think this regarding Mr. C because he always was, and will be with you in whatever you do.
Mr. C was a special man, for whom I always had my highest admiration, and love. I give thanks for having known Mr. C, and your Mom, and I will always think of them with a warm feeling in my heart.
Your Friend,
Ed Weaver
