Thomas P. Costin Jr. Jr.

Thomas Patrick Costin Jr., 98, a devoted husband, father, and passionate civil servant, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Beverly Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lynn on August 23, 1926, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas P. and Margaret (Goff) Costin. A proud graduate of Lynn Classical High School (Class of 1944), he went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

Following his military service, Thomas attended Boston College on the G.I. Bill and quickly immersed himself in public life. He ran for Ward 7 seat on the Lynn City Council, becoming the city's youngest elected city councilor ever, where he served for 8 years. Thomas was a scholar, he received his Doctorate from Salem State University, as well as an honorary Doctor of Law degree from UMASS, where he served as a trustee.

In 1955 at the age of 29, Thomas became Lynn's youngest elected Mayor, where he served for 6 years before becoming postmaster in 1961. Thomas worked as postmaster up until his retirement in 1992 and in 2019 the Post office building was dedicated in his name. His hard work and dedication led him to be a confidante of John F. Kennedy. While working as postmaster, he was twice elected President of the National Postmasters Association. He was tasked by JFK with helping to implement the desegregation of post offices in the South.

Even after retirement, Thomas remained deeply engaged in civic life. He lent his time and talents to organizations including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Catholic Charities, March of Dimes, Salvation Army, and the Essex National Heritage Area. For over three decades, he chaired the Lynn Business Partnership's transportation committee.

In addition to his public service, Thomas was a successful entrepreneur. He owned Sterling Machine in Lynn, the Jesmond Nursing Home in Nahant, and co-founded Mt. Pleasant Hospital in Lynn, ventures that reflected his commitment to both economic development and compassionate care.

Along with his parents, Thomas is pre-deceased by his first wife, Rosemary (Cole) Costin. He will be dearly missed and is survived by his beloved wife, Noel Spinney Costin; loving children, Thomas J. Costin, RoAnn Costin, Morgan Costin, Midge Costin, Maura Costin Scalise; stepchildren, Pamela Spinney Duncan, Susan Hooper, and Allison Spinney, as well as his 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Services for Thomas will be private; a celebration of life will be held at a later date.