Charles Costello

Charles Costello
SOUTHBURY - Charles D. Costello, of Southbury, passed away on February 24, 2026 at the age of 77. Charlie was born in Milford, CT on April 25, 1948 to Elizabeth and John Costello. The Costello family resided in Devon until 1958 when they relocated to the Huntington section of Shelton. Charlie and his siblings attended Shelton schools and he graduated in the 1967 Class of Shelton High School. Unlike many of his peers, Charlie enlisted in the Army in 1969 during the Vietnam conflict, trained as a medic, and served in that capacity in Vietnam. During his service with the Army, he received four medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1972 and returned to Shelton. Upon his return, he began his employment with the State of Connecticut at Fairfield Hills Hospital in Newtown as a psychiatric aide where he remained until its closure. He then was transferred to Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown and worked there until his retirement. During his tenure at Fairfield Hills, Charlie received a letter of commendation and gratitude for saving a patient's life by administering the Heimlich Maneuver while the patient was choking. Charlie moved to Southbury in 1992 and lived at Heritage Village. One of his many favorite "haunts" in town was the Laurel Diner where he frequented on a daily basis when working and when retired. Although a man of few words, he could tell you anything you wanted to know about the military and war history. Additionally, he read National Geographic on a regular basis and collected old issues he would find at thrift shops. He particularly liked issues from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Charlie also was a member of Church of the Epiphany, and later St. James Lutheran Church during his residency in Southbury. He leaves behind his three siblings, Sally Costello Knauf, Bob Costello, and Will Costello all of Connecticut, five nieces and nephews, and four grand nieces and nephews who are scattered throughout the country. Calling hours will be held from 3:00 - 4:30 PM on Friday, March 6, 2025, at Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South in Southbury. A prayer service will immediately follow at 4:30 PM. Burial will take place privately at the Middletown State Veterans' Cemetery in Middletown, CT where his parents, both veterans of WWII, are also buried. It will be difficult not having you with us. As said many times, life is not a destination but a journey. Your journey through life was memorable and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com.