Patrick Joseph Costello

Costello, Patrick Joseph

Patrick Joseph Costello, age 74, born Sept. 1, 1942, passed away on Oct. 21, 2016 at St. Vincent Hospital following complications from heart surgery.

He was born in Chicago to George and Mary Ellen Costello and was the eldest of seven children.

A native South-Sider, Patrick attended Chicago Public Schools and graduated from Parker High School. He attended Loyola University for one year before moving to Green Bay in 1965.

Patrick began his lifelong career at La Force, Inc. in 1968, eventually becoming the manager of human resources. He took pride in his work, satisfaction in his craft, and most of all, joy in his relationships. He retired in 2007 after 38 years in the door and hardware business. After his retirement, he worked part time as an agent for Auto Appraisal Group.

He met his wife, Susan, at a New Year's Eve party in 1970. They married on Oct. 2, 1971 at St. Jude Catholic Church.

The Green Bay community benefitted greatly from Patrick's passion for community improvement, urban development and politics. He served on the board of NeighborWorks, the St. Jude Parish Council, sang with the St. Jude Spirit Singers, was President of the Perkins Park Area Neighborhood Association, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Brown County Democrats. In the last year of his life, he found great fulfillment in volunteering at ReStore, where he was in charge of doors and hardware.

Patrick loved driving cars and going to car shows; he and Sue took many road trips to visit family across the country, often stopping at presidential libraries along the way. His children and friends spent many nights and lunches over the years playing Sheepshead and cribbage. He was an avid reader. He loved biking, especially on his recumbent bikes on the Rails to Trails.

Patrick influenced all those around him with selfless acts of generosity, kindness, wisdom and love. He adored his wife and children, and held his family and friends close to his heart. His infectious laughter will always live in us.

He is survived by his wife Susan (Cholewinski); his seven children, William (Sujata) Costello, Minneapolis, Joseph (Sumi) Costello, Green Bay, Mary (Nathan) Vandergrift, Green Bay, Stephanie Costello, New York City, Elizabeth Costello, Denver, Isaac Costello, Fond du Lac, and Scott Costello, Green Bay; his seven grandchildren, Krystal, Kashi, Ravi, Olivia, Mitchell, Michelle, and Floyd; his brother Rev. John Costello, S.J., Chicago; and his four sisters, Margaret Costello, Chicago, M. Elizabeth (Betsy) Costello, Chicago, Karen (Mufid) Kayed, Chicago, and Rose Costello, Green Bay; his sisters-in-law, Gail Wirtz Costello, Sister Elise Cholewinski, O.S.F., and Diana Cholewinski; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Costello; his mother- and father-in-law, William and Stella Cholewinski, and his brother-in-law, Daniel Cholewinski.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2016. A Parish Wake Service will be at 7 p.m. Friends may also call at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1420 Division Street, from 9:30 to Noon Wednesday, October 26, 2016. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at Noon Wednesday at the church with Rev. John Costello, S.J., Rev. Don Everts, and Rev. Ron Belitz concelebrating. Burial will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park. To send online condolences please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

A memorial fund has been established for Habitat for Humanity and ReStore.

Special thanks to the care teams at St. Mary's Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital.