Michael Noel Costin, 63
PORTLAND - Michael Noel Costin died on the evening of Nov. 4, 2017, at his home in Portland. He suffered a sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest.
He was born Dec. 5, 1953, in Framingham, Mass.
His father was Maurice Edward Costin, a surgeon; his mother was Jeanne Marie (Gauthier) Costin, a nurse anesthetist. He attended public school in Framingham, Mass.; Philips Academy in Andover, Mass.; and Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt.
A longtime resident of Vermont after college, he served for many years as the zoning administrator for the town of Ferrisburgh, Vt.
In 2000, he married Mary Elizabeth Browne and moved to Portland. Michael and Marybeth had a son, Francis Browne Costin, in 2002.
He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. He appreciated and collected Persian rugs.
Michael's concerns about environmental issues developed early and these issues remained important to him over time. He was also an excellent cook, an inveterate gardener, and an avid observer of automotive design. In Portland, he invested in and managed real estate properties.
Michael was a passionate and inquisitive observer of history and current events. Always eager to engage in matters that interested him, he was gregarious, empathetic, and loved to learn about the world and its peoples. Michael was remarkably successful at dealing with his lifelong, disabling migraine headaches while maintaining a cheerful and positive outlook. He was a kind and gentle soul.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Sally Louise Costin; and brother, Maurice Edward Costin.
He is survived by his wife and his son, both of Portland; his sister, Susan M. Adams, and her husband John M. Adams, of Orford, N.H.; his nephew, Tobias Costin Adams, and his wife Sarah S. Adams, of Portland; and his brother, Patrick S. Costin, his wife Paula C. Costin and nephews, Thomas S. Costin and Jacob P. Costin, of South Portland.
A memorial for Michael will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 9, 2017, at Williston-Immanuel United Church, 156 High St., Portland, Maine. A reception with light refreshments will be held following the memorial. His friends are invited to come and share their experiences and adventures involving Michael with each other and family members.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John and I are so sorry. May this candle be a symbol of light and peace at this sad time, Mary Beth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sherri Vigue
November 13, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. This time of the year, I always think of the Thanksgiving dinners we had at the Costin's in Framingham. It was a big event for the Rumford cousins and Michael and his siblings were welcoming to the once a year visits. Marybeth, Francis, Patrick and Susan - My deepest sympathies. Cousin, Anne Gauthier
November 13, 2017
November 12, 2017
Michael always showed up at annual clean-up days in the gardens at Reiche...he was an indefatigable worker and interested in all aspects of the garden. He was a lovely person. I am so sorry to hear of his death.
Charlotte Maloney
November 11, 2017
Oh MaryBeth,
I was just told of Michael's death. There are no words to express the profound sadness felt for you and Francis.
Sending you warm hugs and so much love.
Pat McCormick
Pat McCormick
November 11, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss Marybeth and Francis.
We loved getting to know Michael over the years at Reiche! Sending you love and light. The Van Mierlos
Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo
November 10, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. God promise that he will put an end to all suffering including death
Vic
November 9, 2017
We were close adolescent friends. Michael, Clopeck and myself, 3 of the 4 B-boys swim team relay
We swam the pond from Clopecks cove to Costins. for years. Lost touch when he went to Middlebury
He was the anchor leg. I only beat him once in Wellesley.
Michael, always called him Michael, introduced me to the Oak Island mystery
overpopulation and toilet tissue pollution. Oh yeah, Led Zeppelin. We saw Led Zep at the Carousel Theater in Fram 1969
One of the smartest kids, along with Clopeck I ever knew.
Why did they hang around with a knucklehead like me?
Fond memories of a great kid as we explored our way through the formative years. My heart is heavy at the news of your loss. I'm truly sorry.
I hope you don't mind me sharing,
Paul "Flappa" Flaherty
November 9, 2017
Holding you in our hearts, Marybeth and Francis.
Leah Whalen
November 9, 2017
November 9, 2017
Dear Marybeth and Frances: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief and change.
Kim Tanguay
November 9, 2017
It was an honor to be a long standing friend of Mike's from childhood on. My deepest sympathies to Francis, MaryBeth and the extended Costin family.
November 9, 2017
MaryBeth and Francis, I am so sorry for your loss. I was good friends with Michael growing up in Framingham and remember him fondly as a kind and good person. He will be missed.
Jeffrey Clopeck
November 9, 2017
I am so very sorry to hear the news of your husband passing away. My heart is broken for you and your family...Sending thoughts and prayers
Michelle Oram
November 9, 2017
My heartfelt sympathies Francis and Marybeth.
Liz Bryant, PHS Guidance Office
Liz Bryant
November 9, 2017
I will always remember visitng with Michael in my driveway on Wednesday afternoons after Francis had his piano lesson. We had many lengthy, fascinating conversations about a variety of topics.
Sending love & light to Francis and MaryBeth, as well as the entire Costin family. ❤❤❤
Denise Calkins
November 9, 2017
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