Eric Costello Obituary

Eric Costello died on October 24 as the result of a skateboarding accident 2 days earlier. He was 35.

Eric was born in San Francisco and lived most of his life in Santa Cruz county. He attended Santa Cruz schools and Cabrillo College. His immediate family include: his son, Taylor Costello; his father, Don Costello; his mother, Debra Hammes and his sister, Jessica Hammes. Of equal importance, he is survived by more close and loving friends than can possibly be named.

Eric was a professional skateboarder and taught skateboarding at Scotts Valley Skate Park. Although he taught both children and adults, he had a special talent for teaching children. He taught them not only skill, but also humor, caring and confidence. They will miss him greatly.

Eric had many talents. He was an accomplished surfer, snowboarder, skimboarder and musician. He was a licensed EMT. Of greatest importance to Eric was his 14 year old son Taylor. They were inseparable.

Eric's family and friends have the consolation that he lived life more fully and was loved by more people than anyone we have ever known.

A Memorial Celebration of Eric's life will be held on Sunday October 30, 12pm, at Scotts Valley Community Center, to be followed by a memorial skate event at Scotts Valley Skate Park. An account has been created at Comerica Bank, Scotts Valley for the benefit of Eric's son, Taylor. Contributions may be made to: Eric Costello Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 8483, Santa Cruz, 95061.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Oct. 28, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Costello

15 Entries

Sandra Reese

November 1, 2005

To Eric's Family:

Although I've never met Eric, just reading the descriptions of his success, and being a deeply caring person, as a skateboard instructor/friend/father/son lead me to recognize the great loss to the family and community.

His memory and all those he touched will shine on.

Sandra Reese

Friend of Donna Siegel

don costello

October 31, 2005

Thank you all for your extraordicary love and support. We, Eric's family, appreciate it greatly.

Don Costello (father)

Taylor Costello (son)

Debra Hammes (mother)

Jessica Hammes (sister)

Daryl Blymyer

October 30, 2005

You were a good friend.

Julia Nicosia

October 29, 2005

I first had the pleasure of seeing Eric teaching a private lesson on September 23rd and thought that is person I want to teach my children. They were signed up for his 10:00am to 11:00am class through parks and rec which started on Oct 7th. They could not wait.

I remember the first thing that Eric thought was safty. How to fall and wear a helmet. He was awsome with the kids always taught with a smile and willing to show them tricks he could do. He just loved to skate, loved the kids and loved being a dad. This was showen when one time after class he had all the students around him and his phone rang and he siad, " I have to take this it is my son."

Eric, you will be greatly missed by all and my prayers and thoughts are with your son and family.

My youngest sons hopes you teach everyone how to skate in heaven.

Love the Nicosia's

Lori Opitz

October 28, 2005

My son and I were visiting Scotts Valley from Minneapolis, MN last week. My son couldn't wait to check out the skate park as he had heard so much about it. After recieving a warning from local police, Eric loaned Shay a helmet to wear. We spent nearly 1 1/2 hours at the park most of which my time was spent watching Eric teach 3-4 year olds how to skate. I was touched by his patience and dedication to these young skaters. As I watched the lessons I over heard 3 young men comment on how awesome Eric was for offering skateboard parts, borrowing skaters gear including helmets. Even though my son and I had a brief encounter with Eric, it was truly evident that he was a respected and loved member of the community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and the people whose life he touched.

Sincerly,

Lori Opitz

Shay Sievert

Minneapolis, MN

October 28, 2005

Marcus Blymyer

October 28, 2005

We will meet again, my friend. But just not yet.

Marcus Blymyer

October 28, 2005

We will meet again, my friend.

Dolan McElmurry

October 28, 2005

Hello, it saddens me to see that Eric left this world. His life was a good one and he had many friends.

I first met Eric in Jr. High and stay friends with him throughout the years. Though we lost touch on occasion.

Last I heard from Eric a couple years ago he was planning to move to Hawaii with his son.

my deepest sympothies go out to his son and family

dolan

The Phillips Family

October 28, 2005

He was a great guy who will be greatly missed. Our son spent many hours with him in classes at the skatepark as well as just hanging out with him while he was there. Eric was always willing to help him with a new trick or encourage him in some way. He was so helpful and encouraging to all the kids at the skatepark. His tragic death will be a great loss to the skateboarding community of Santa Cruz County. Our thoughts and prayers are also with Taylor and his grandparents during this hard time.

Vic Yanez

October 28, 2005

Proud to know an awesome father who took the time to be a friend. I will miss you. Your spirit lives on.

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