Jerry Costande

COSTANDE, JERRY 87 - of Cape May Court House, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2008. He was born January 6, 1921 at 112 West Pacific Avenue, Cape May Court House, son of the late John and Marianna Costande and was a graduate of Middle Township High School Class of 1938. Upon graduating, he went to work as a Printer's Devil (apprentice) at the Cape May County Gazette where he worked for 40 years, doing all phases of printing: Hand type compositor, lead printing, plate casting, linotype operator, job printing, page layout and advertising composition, some reporting, editing and proof reading, and on Fridays newsstand deliveries. On November 30, 1941 he married his wife of 67 years, Lucy Costello, of Ocean City. He joined Volunteer Fire Company Number 1 of Middle Township in Cape May Court House in April of 1942, serving as its secretary from 1948 to 1961 when he became a member and secretary of the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District Number 1, an office he held for 25 years. He also served as Secretary of the Middle Township Fireman's Relief Association from 1948 to the present. He was a Life Member of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association since 1952. A veteran of World War II, he served on the battleship USS Wisconsin in the South Pacific in the 3rd and 5th Fleets. He worked in the Cape May County print shop for 25 years, retiring July 31, 2001 after working for 65 years in the printing trade. For 31 years he was the PA announcer for the Middle Township High School home football games. He was predeceased by a daughter, Geraldine Costande Blood. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sisters, Nancy Reardon and Anne Watson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Avenue, Cape May Court House. Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 35 East Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery. Condolences at www.radzieta.com