Thomas J. Costello

Thomas (Tom) Joachim Costello, age 86, of Whitman, passed away on March 1, 2026, at home surrounded by his beloved family.

Tom was born in Liscuib, Ballymacward, County Galway, Ireland, the son of the late Thomas and Ellen (Keane) Costello. He emigrated from Ireland at the age of 10, and claimed his U.S. citizenship in 1958. He grew up in Dorchester, and as an adult, married, moved to Weymouth, and started his family.

Tom was a graduate of Boston College High School, Class of 1957, and later received his Bachelor’s degree from Saint John’s Seminary, and a Master's degree from Boston University. Beginning in 1963, he served for 6 years in the National Guard, Company M, 2nd Training Regiment. He went on to dedicate 45 years of service to the Massachusetts State Judicial System, retiring after a long career primarily at the Hingham District Courthouse as the Chief Probation Officer. He was also a tax professional at H&R Block.

Tom’s faith was important to him, which he instilled in his family, especially his children, sending them through the Catholic schools system. Tom was an active member of Holy Ghost Parish, and the Whitman Council on Aging where he enjoyed playing Singo amongst other activities. He cherished spending time with his family and granddogs Boomer, Stella, and Sunny, walks around Whitman, watching classic Westerns, and listening to Irish music and Johnny Cash. He was a dedicated family man to his immediate and large extended family, known for his quick wit, always ready with a joke, with a twinkle in his eye. In earlier years he enjoyed spending summers in Manomet, coaching his children's youth sport teams, and teaching them how to drive. He looked forward to his Sunday ritual of church and breakfast at his favorite spot, Ted’s Place in Whitman Center, with his sister, Agnes. He looked forward to, and enjoyed, springtime yard work, sitting in his yard on beautiful summer days, fall apple picking in New Hampshire, and shoveling snow in the winter. He spent time cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots, and was fond of cheap beer.

Tom was a devoted husband, blessed with 47 years of marriage to his late wife, Louise (Dailey) Costello. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, and vacationing at many areas throughout the United States. He is survived by his loving children, Brian J. Costello and his wife Michelle of Weymouth; Christopher T. Costello and his wife Amy of Hanson; and Maura E. Costello-Choi and her husband Steven of Baltimore, Maryland, and his grandsons Liam Costello and James Costello. Brother of Nancy Townley of Omaha, NE, Sister Teresa Costello S.P. of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN, Margaret Boyd of Weymouth, Agnes Pouliot of Whitman, and the late Michael Costello, James Costello, John Costello, Patrick Costello, and Christine O’Brien. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held in the McKinnon Funeral Home, 760 Washington Street, Whitman, on Tuesday, March 10th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Wednesday, morning, March 11, at 9:30 a.m. for a Celebration of Life prior to the Funeral Mass at Holy Ghost Church in Whitman at 10:30am. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery, Whitman immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Thomas Costello to The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (the convent of his sister) at https://spsmw.org/donate/ or to the Town of Whitman Council on Aging, attention: Mary Holland, P.O. Box 426, Whitman, MA 02382. For directions or to sign the guest book visit https://www.mackinnonfuneral.com/