Pastor Bernard B. "Buzz" Costello

Affectionally known as "Buzz", he was a native of North Braddock, most recently a resident of Mt. Assisi Place in Bellevue, died on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the age of 88.

Buzz was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Mary Clare (Beech) Costello and his brother, John Costello.

He is survived by his brother, Clare W. "Bill" Costello and his wife, Helen, of New Hampshire.

Buzz was the uncle of Kim (David) Davenport of MA and Jason (Farah) Myers of NJ.

He was the great uncle of Zoe Davenport, Hunter and Joi Myers.

Bernard "Buzz" was a 1955 graduate of St. Thomas High School in Braddock.

He attended St. Gregory Minor Seminary in Cincinnati and graduated from St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe.

Buzz was ordained on May 4, 1963.

His first assignment was a Parochial Vicar at St. Anne in Castle Shannon. Buzz then served as Parochial Vicar with St. Raphael in Morningside, St. Therese in Munhall and St. Scholastica in Aspinwall. He became Pastor of St. Mary Magdalene in Homestead in 1978 and served until 1992. Buzz also served as a chaplain to hospitals in Oakland before returning to serve as a Parochial Vicar at St. Mary in Sharpsburg, North American Martyrs in Monroeville, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Natrona Heights and, lastly, Mary, Mother of the Church in Charleroi. He has been retired since 2007.

Buzz was a gentleman 'by the yard', in every sense of the word. His quick wit and fine sense of humor were complemented by an unforgettable joyous laugh that could light up the darkest of rooms. An aficionado of classical music, Buzz found solace and joy in the works of Sergei Rachmaninoff, among other composers. His passion for music was not confined to mere appreciation; he was also a talented pianist who could often be found playing his favorite pieces with grace and skill. Buzz gave freely of his time and resources, embodying the spirit of giving in everyday acts of kindness. A voracious reader, Buzz's thirst for knowledge and love for the written word were as much a part of him as his love for music. Books were his constant companions.

All are welcome on Friday from 3-7pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, (412) 824-8800.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 12 noon, with Bishop Mark Eckman presiding, in Sacred Heart Church of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 1600 Brinton Rd., Pgh., 15221.

Buzz will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650 or https://saintvincentseminary.edu.