Joseph Eugene Costello, of Darien passed away on Sunday, June 25. He was 58.
Joseph Costello, 58, passed away on June 25. His wake will be on July 9; his funeral is scheduled for July 10.
Joe was born on July 9, 1958 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, where coincidentally, Rosey, his wife of almost 25 years was born 18 months prior. The two shared a running joke that Rosey left a note for Joe in his hospital bassinet saying, “Call me when you grow up.”
Joe and Rosey had their official first date on Oct. 24, 1987 at a Japanese restaurant in New York. They were married on Sept. 26, 1992 in Bay Head, N.J. and welcomed their son, Keane, on June 1994.
The Costellos moved from New York to Darien in June 1996, closing on their home on Keane’s second birthday.
Raised in Crestwood, N.Y, Joe graduated from Iona Preparatory School. From there he headed to Fordham University. He transferred sophomore year to Georgetown University, where he majored in history, captained the Rugby Team, and forged friendships that lasted over 40 years.
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— an obituary from Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home
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Three years of living the life of a Hoya wasn’t enough, so Joe returned to Georgetown Law to earn a Juris Doctor, and was admitted to the New York and Connecticut bar associations.
Joe joined JJ Kenny as a municipal bond trader and spent over 30 years with the firm. He was in the office on Sept. 11, where he, no surprise to those who knew him, assisted in the evacuation of his office and aided a colleague in the 44-flight descent to safety. He retired from the firm in November 2015.
Newly retired, Joe found enjoyment and solace in time spent close to home and his family. He could be found at the New Canaan dog run with Fiona and Finn, perusing the shelves at the Darien Library or at Weed Beach reading the paper or his book group’s latest title.
He was part owner of the United Puett Starting Gate Business, the leading supplier of starting gates to every major racing venue in the United States. Joe made it a point to attend the Belmont Stakes and Saratoga as often as he could.
His adventurous spirit took him and Rosey to exotic destinations, including Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and much of Europe. They were planning a trip to Italy to celebrate what would have been their 25th wedding anniversary in September. Joe had recently dusted off his fishing rod and gear to share his passion for the sport with Keane.
Joe was loved by all who knew him for his kindness, humility, generosity and the genuine interest and pride he took in the accomplishments and success of those he loved.
He beamed with pride whenever he talked about Rosey’s successful retail store, Everything Is Rosey, and was most proud of Keane’s recent graduation from the College of Charleston.
Joe was a member of the St. Thomas More parish, Stamford Yacht Club and a former member of the New York Athletic Club. He will be remembered for his kind heart and warm smile. His passing leaves an empty spot in our hearts and lives.
His wife and love of his life, Rosemary Peters Costello, beloved son Keane Thomas, and loyal and loving Welsh springer spaniels Fiona and Finnegan, survive him. He is also survived by his brother Michael from East Haddam and five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and eight nieces and nephews.
His brother Jimmy and parents, Alice and Thomas Costello, predeceased him.
A wake will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 9 at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home ( next to the Knights of Columbus) 453 Shippan Ave., Stamford (203) 359-9999. This would have been his 59th birthday.
A funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 10 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 374 Middlesex Road in Darien.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that Joe be remembered by a donation to the ASPCA. To send condolences to the family, please visit the funeral home website.