Joseph William Costello - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Joseph William Costello

Born January 17, 1930

Joseph William Costello, age 83, of Newark, DE passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 12, 2014.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on January 17, 1930, Joe was a son of the late Francis A. Costello and Catherine M. Wingate Costello. He honorably served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. Joe made his career with the Operating Engineers Local #542, where he worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for 33 years until his retirement in 1994.

Active in his union leadership, he served as a past retiree treasurer. Joe was a proud veteran, and was a longtime member of the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, working around the house, and golfing. Joe was a true man’s man and was admired for his strength and courage. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who will be truly missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, William Francis Costello, brothers, John Costello, Thomas Costello, and James Costello, and sisters, Kathleen Thompson and Rose Mary Brown. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Theresa Kelly Costello; daughters, Theresa Mary Salsbery of North East, MD and Kathleen Patricia Costello of Newark, DE; sons, Joseph William Costello, Jr. of Newark, DE, John Joseph Costello of Middletown, DE, and Timothy Andrew Costello of Nottingham, PA; brothers, Francis Costello of Modesta, CA, Edward Costello of Bensalem, PA, and Michael Costello of Limerick, PA; sister, Patricia Cherry of Philadelphia, PA; 11 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren.

Services and interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the Local #542 IUOE, District 5 Retiree’s Club, 4268 N. DuPont Highway, Townsend, DE 19734.

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16 Condolences for Joseph William Costello

  • “Joe was a true man’s man and was admired for his strength and courage.”

    I have to admit that I instantly laughed when I read that specific part aforementioned in quotes. I laughed because I knew it was a true and accurate characterization of him. I mean, after all he was a Costello! Forever and fondly remembered always Uncle Joe.

  • RIP Uncle Joe, you were one of my favorites and will be truly missed.

  • Brother you will be missed. I was thinking of all the times You, Ed, Jim, and I played golf together than had a few (sometimes many) drinks after wards. I will keep you in my prayers until we meet again.

    Love Brother Mike

  • Brother you will be missed. I was sitting hear remembering all the times You, brother Ed and Jim, and I played golf than went out for a few (sometime many) drinks. Some of the best times of my life. I will keep you in my prayers until we meet again.

    Love

    Brother Mike

  • To the Costello Family…For the last 28 years, we remember “Joe” (as we knew him) stopping by the store on a regular basis. Joe was always a kind and respectful guy! I very much enjoyed speaking with him…mostly about his full-time job as a volunteer at St. Anthony’s in the Hills. I know he overcame a cancer scare many years ago…and we were privileged to have him make it through that…just so we could visit with him for many more years. I saw Joe just a couple of weeks ago, so I am shocked to see his obituary in the paper today. Please know that your Dad and Husband lives on through us all!
    Sincerely,
    Jack Constantini, owner of Jack’s Country Maid Deli, Kirkwood Highway, and all of Joe’s Friends

  • Our deepest sympathy to Theresa and family on your loss of Joe. We were next-door neighbors in Harmony Hills (325 Tamara Circle), and we enjoyed chatting with Joe for many years while he was outside doing yard work in the back yard. He was a great neighbor, always very friendly, and it was our pleasure knowing him.

  • Rest in Peace Uncle Joe, and say hi to my Dad for me. Some of my greatest memories are of golfing with you, Dad & Uncle Mike and some very memorable deep sea fishing trips. You were always very much loved and will forever be very much missed.

    Your Favorite Nephew,
    Jimmy, Jr.

  • Rest in Peace Uncle Joe.. I’ll have a cold pancake for you this Sunday.

  • After having just read in the newspaper of Joe’s passing, my family wishes to extend their deepest sympathies to the entire Costello family. I have known Joe for many years from our association with the Operating Engineers and developed a great friendship. May he RIP.

    In Jesus Amazing Love,

    Russ and Myrt Buoncuore

  • Joe will be truly missed. He was such a comedian at our office. He made my day when he came into visit us. Deepest symphony to the family and all of his love ones.

  • John B. McDaniel, Jr. sends his condolences to the family

  • Thoughts prayers and condolences to the Costello Family. May he be at peace in a Gods Arms.

  • Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. My heart goes out to the family. Death is something we will never get use to. In fact, God’s Word refers to death as an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26) Very soon our loving Heavenly Father, Jehovah God, will remove death once and for all and give us the opportunity to see our loved ones again here on the earth.

  • Your family is in my heart and prayers. I will always remember the way Joe reacted to my being a chaplain. He always said he wasn’t a religious man, but seemed open to venting to me and listening to my responses. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

  • To Joe, Jr. and the Costello Family, sorry to learn of your father’s death. He was a great man and we will miss him.

  • To the family of Joe Costello, We were deeply saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. We always enjoyed our time spent with him and thought he was a good neighbor. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Fred and Marlene Maske