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Tim Costello Obituary

COSTELLO, Tim Of Cambridge, formerly of Rockport, died December 4 at age 64 of pancreatic cancer. Husband of Susanne Rasmussen of Cambridge, MA; father of Pia Costello of Cambridge, MA and Gillian Costello of Brooklyn, NY; grandfather of Evan and Cathryn Sherman of Brooklyn, NY; brother of Sean Costello of Belmont, MA; and a friend to many. Founder and partner in Global Labor Strategies, lifelong labor activist, and author of many articles and books on issues involving labor, globalization, and the environment. Memorial Service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tim's memory may be made to: VNA Care Network & Hospice, Development Office, 5 Federal Street, Danvers, MA 01923-3687.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Dec. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Tim Costello

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Ed Winbourne

November 30, 2020

I watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade the other day and there was a “Temptations” tribute singing group that performed very well. It made me think back to Timmy. He and our friend Bob Byron saw the Temptations along with Ray Charles at the now torn down Donnelly Theater on Massachusetts Ave.It was a a concert I will never forget.

Matt Borus

March 23, 2010

I'm afraid that I learned of Tim's passing just tonight, in late March 2010.

I was first exposed to Tim and his work when I was a Union Summer intern in 1997, and then in the early exciting flowering of the global justice movement. I got to know him better when I worked for Working Massachusetts, to which CCW was closely tied. I also did some part-time work for NAAFE when I was short on money and they were able to offer me some hours.

Tim never seemed to puff himself up or go out of his way to remind people around him that he was widely published and well-known. Instead, I thought of him as a respected leader who was dedicated and hard-working, smart and innovative. He was a great source of both topical reflections and stories, and I still remember some of my conversations with him on many topics.

Tim's passing is a loss for the communities he was part of, for the movements to which he contributed, and to the world at large. Thank you, Tim, for all you gave us.

Becca and David Wheeler

January 22, 2010

Gilly,

We have never forgotten you or your family from our days on Mill Lane in Rockport. All of you were, and still are I'm sure, wonderful, remarkable people. We send you and Tim's family our sympathy. We also know that the after life has received the gift of another great orator.

Best to you, Gilly.

Tim and Sally Dean

January 6, 2010

Everyone we've met who knew Tim misses him greatly. We miss him as well. Tim had a deep appreciation for all that workers go through. An appreciation that helped us understand how to change the way things are. We will not forget him. Our heartfelt condolences to Susanne and the entire family.
Tim and Sally Dean

Craig Segal

December 21, 2009

I was only able to admire the man from a distance and from publicity. Sorry for this loss, Gilly. (I don't know your email address.) You have a lot to be proud of. Enver Hoxha!

Linda Amero

December 10, 2009

Tim was, quite simply, the "Finest Kind." We're all heartbroken on Cape Ann - we'll miss him so very much. Love to Sus, Pia, Gilly, Peter, Sean, Snug & CC.

Linda Amero,
friend and admirer

Sam Cleaves

December 9, 2009

I knew Tim best in the 80's and 90's, working together painting, lobstering and running in the woods and roads of Cape Ann. His warm heart, dry wit and keen observations made up just a few parts of this outstanding and remarkable man. He will be greatly missed and our loving thoughts go to Susanne and Pia during this time of great loss.

Sam and Luisa Cleaves

Shennan Kavanagh

December 9, 2009

My thoughts are with Gillie, Pia and Susanne, along with the rest of Tim's family. With special love also to Sean, Amy and Tom. Love, Shennan

December 8, 2009

Susanne and Pia
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you during this very trying time.
Tim may your soul be surrounded by the lords loving light, and Susanne and Pia may you now start to heal.

With Love,
Tracey, Maya & Gary

Kittredge White

December 7, 2009

Pia and Susanne are very dear friends of ours. We didn't know Tim well, as he valued his privacy during his illness, but the times we met him we found him to be a lovely human being. We know he was a loving father and husband. Pia and Susanne -- our hearts and prayers are with you, and you know we will remain your good friends. Love, Roger, Kittredge and Sydney White

Manny,Lucy,& Karina Aguiar

December 7, 2009

Our heart felt condolences to you and Pia.
May he rest in peace.

Alicia Morris

December 7, 2009

I met Tim through many years ago when I worked with his wife, Susanne. I found him to be a kind, funny, warm, energetic Teddy Bear of a man and I am sure that those who loved him will miss him greatly. My heartfelt prayers for and condolences to Susanne, Pia, and Tim's entire family.

Ed Winbourne

December 6, 2009

Growing up in Dedham with Tim I was one of many who recognized Tim as being an exceptional human being. When I would run into him later in life we always parted with the promise to get together, but it was never to be. I will miss Tim as I'm sure you do. My condolences to his family.

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