Bernard Costello

1928 - 2015

Bernard Costello, 87

Holden/Sterling - Bernard "Bob" Costello, 87, passed away on his sixty-fourth wedding anniversary, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 21, 2015. He was born in Woodbridge, New Jersey, the son of Patrick F. and Lila M. (Kinback) Costello and had lived in Morris, New York and Sterling before moving to Jefferson seven years ago.

He leaves his loving wife and best friend, Barbara (Merrick) Costello; two sons, Clifford Costello and his wife, Sharon of Endwell, NY and Keith Costello and his wife, Ellen of Rutland; a daughter, Jan Patten and her husband, Don of Sterling; a brother, Richard Costello and his wife, Ann of Franklin, NY; seven grandchildren, Casey Costello, Kate Lesniak, Sarah Patten, Gillian Costello, Whitney Costello, Chase Patten and Andrew Costello; he left behind many nieces, nephews, dear friends and family including, Jan Marie Costello. He was predeceased by a grandson, Tyler Hoyt Costello.

Bob joined the Merchant Marine during World War II at the age of 16 and was later drafted to the service in 1950 where he served in the U.S. Army as a corporal in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Following his service to his country, Bob started his career in the telephone industry in 1952 with New Jersey Bell and later moved to upstate New York and transferred his service as a switchman for New York Bell Telephone Company until his retirement in 1983.

Bob was a member of the Sterling Historical Society, a volunteer interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village, LIMBO VW Club, Telephone Pioneers and was a member of three antique car clubs, including the Worcester County Model A Club. He also was a former Cubmaster in New Jersey and was a member of the New Lisbon, NY Planning Board. He was an accomplished craftsman who enjoyed building furniture, weaving, and restoring antique homes and cars. Bob's true passion was spending time with his family on camping trips and time on the ocean in Maine.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation for the care provided by the day program staff at the Summit ElderCare in Leominster.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A celebration of life for Bob will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to GMUCSD, Tyler Costello Memorial Music Fund, Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton CSD, 693 State Hwy 51, Gilbertsville, NY 13776. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, visit

www.milesfuneralhome.com