William Costello

William T. Costello, age 91, U.S. Army veteran of Korean War. Beloved husband of the late Gloria "Jean" (nee Reich). Devoted father of Karl Francis (Patricia), Christine Claire Kidder and the late Gregory William (Nancy). Loving grandfather of Lee Mitchell, William David Kidder and the late Greg Mitchell. Dear brother of the late Mary Ganey. Many years of service with Mystik Tape and Advanced Wheel Corporation. Very active with St. Frances of Rome (Cicero) and St. Mary of Celle (Berwyn). Bill volunteered countless hours to West Cicero Little League and was a founding member of Mid America War Gamers. Devoted White Sox fan. Funeral services private. Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book at www.palosgaidasfh.com (708) 974 4410 (PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS) Bill was born in Los Angeles, California, months before the Great Depression impacted life in the United States. Our family believes, therefore, it may only be appropriate Bill decided to join our mom and his lovely bride, Gloria Jean, on April 11, 2020 (this date would have been their 67th Wedding Anniversary) during another time of strife and challenge in our country – the Coronavirus Pandemic. He couldn’t wait any longer to join her and “trip the light fantastic.” The good news is that Bill Costello lived a full life of 91 years and was able to live in his own home (Palos Hills) until the very end. He passed away from complications related to a gastrointestinal infection – no CV infection for this “old coot” as he was prone to refer to himself. He continued to live a full life after son Greg (2008) and Gloria Jean (2009) passed away. His primary occupations of time and energy were doting on daughter Christine and grandson Will, son Karl and wife Patricia and others within the family, cheering on his beloved White Sox during the baseball season, devouring all types of biographies and non-fiction historical chronicles, competing with fellow military re-enactment war game enthusiasts and managing his Seattle Mariners Fantasy Baseball Team. Bill was renowned for his salesmanship professionally during his years of employment. He contributed mightily to the business success experienced by Mystik Tape and Advanced Wheel Corporation. His clients were always impressed by his empathy, altruism and focus on providing excellent customer service. Bill dedicated his life to serving others. He volunteered countless hours to the St. Frances of Rome and St. Mary of Celle Parish Councils, served as a troop leader in the Boy Scouts of America and was a mainstay during the days of the West Cicero Little League managing numerous youth baseball teams, coordinating the game umpires and serving as the WCLL Commissioner. Speaking of baseball, Bill was considered a baseball savant who adored the Chicago White Sox specifically and “EVERYTHING BASEBALL” in general. Bill was a Korean War vet serving in the U.S. Army as a Pvt. First Class with the Judge Advocate General. Bill was proud to participate (October 2018) in a Korean War Veterans “Honor Flight'' out of Midway Airport. He loved military history and this passion eventually motivated him to join other hobby enthusiasts of historical military battle reenactments to become a founding member of the Mid America War Gamers. Bill became known throughout the Midwest at miniature military battle reenactment conventions for being the foremost facilitator of Civil War Naval engagements. Bill loved being with people. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was an engaging conversationalist always ready with a good story, relished his Irish Heritage (“Costelloe with an ‘e’) and loved to dance. Dad was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be missed by family and all who crossed his path.