Steve Costello

12/18/1922 - 05/13/2011

COSTELLO, Steve

Steve passed away on Friday, May 13, 2011 at Holy Family Hospital; his family was by his side. Family and friends who knew him will miss him dearly. He was a long time resident of Spokane, moving here in 1967 from Jacksonville, FL.
Steve was born December 18, 1922 in Farrell, PA to Steve and Julia Costello. He married Alma of Dayton, Ohio on June 14, 1952 and remained married for 56 years. They raised four daughters who all live in Spokane, Juliann Barnes and her husband Lance, Susan Leonetti, Phyllis Jessen and her husband Rich, Rita Jones and Gary Jarvis. Steve has eight grandchildren, Jill and Tim Leonetti, Tony (Amy) Leonetti, Carly DeNeui (Alex), Laef Barnes, Rachel Jones, stepgrandsons Reed and Dane Jessen.
Steve was preceded in death by his loving wife Alma in 2008, his parents and nine siblings. Steve was one of ten children of immigrant parents who arrived in the United States and received their citizenship through Ellis Island in the late 1890's. As a child growing up during the Great Depression he had fond memories of his father and relatives gathering together around the kitchen table playing their violins and singing songs of their Polish heritage. As a teenager he worked in a CCC camp based in Colorado and fell in love with the west. In 1943 Steve enlisted in the Navy as a Seaman 1st class spending three years in the Pacific Theater before being medically discharged due to TB. He was employed after the war working for the federal government until his retirement in 1978.
His love for fishing was passed on to his four daughters with wonderful memories spent fishing in the early years on the St. Johns River in Green Cove Springs, Florida, and many years to follow on lakes and rivers in the Pacific NW. He spent more time untangling their lines and baiting hooks than fishing himself. On opening day of fishing season in 2000 he caught a near record German Brown trout at Waitts Lake weighing 19+ lbs.
Steve was very proud of his children and grandchildren and will be remembered for his gentle spirit and giving nature. Special thanks to the nurses at Holy Family Hospital for their compassionate care of our father. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Inland Northwest Honor Flight, 608 W 2nd Suite 309, Spokane WA 99201.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 20, 2011 from 4 PM until 7 PM at the funeral home. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 4 PM at the Fairmount Memorial Park Sunset Chapel with Interment to follow. Please visit Steve's memorial at www.hennessey funeralhomes.com Arrangements entrusted to: