John E. Costello

Obituary of John E. Costello

John E. Costello, 73, passed away peacefully at home on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, surrounded by love.

John lived a life rooted in love and kindness. He lived his faith out loud, never turning away from someone who needed prayer. He offered comfort and hope without judgment and made others feel supported.

He worked in the roofing industry for many years, but his true calling was helping people, guided by his deep belief in God. He also found pride and joy in being a Poppy. His grandchildren were the light of his life.

John loved fishing, animals of every kind, and the simple joys of life. He had a big personality, an even bigger heart, and collected friends wherever he went. Once you were his friend, you were his friend for life.

Born in Jersey City and raised in Old Bridge, New Jersey, John later lived in Middletown before retiring to Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania in 2021.

John was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Peggy Costello; his sister, Mary Ascough; brothers-in-law, Gary Ascough; sister-in-law, Andrea Stockinger; and his former wife, Karen Costello.

He is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-seven years, Judith Fisher-Costello; his children, Kelly Costello, Danny Costello, Megan Hasselbrink and her husband, Kristian, David Costello, Anthony Castellano and his wife, Tina, and Laura Nonnemaker and her husband, Abraham; his 10 grandchildren, Grayson, Emelia, Layne, Scarlett, Ophelia, Harper, Kira, Matthew, Stella, and Lainey; his siblings, Kathleen Meekins, Matthew Costello and his wife, Theresa, Judy Lempfert and her husband, Robert, and Patricia McFadden and her husband, Keith; sister-in-law, Patricia Dunphey and her husband, Rick, his cousin Paul Smith; his dearest lifelong friends, Charlie Schneidt and his wife, Christine, and George Chamas; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companions, Moe and Sophie.

His brother-in-law, James Meekins joined him in heaven on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 333 Route 18 South, Old Bridge, NJ on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Inurnment will follow in Holy Cross Burial Park, 840 Cranbury - South River Road, Jamesburg, NJ. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Friendly Sons of The Shillelagh, 15 Oak Street, Old Bridge, NJ. Arrangements by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township, NJ. In lieu of flowers, we hope you'll honor his memory by creating one - a cup of coffee shared, a seat saved at church, a quiet act of kindness or a reminder to someone that they are seen and loved. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.

His legacy is not found in things, but in moments.