Thomas F. Costello Jr.

Stonington - Thomas F. Costello Jr., 87, of Pawcatuck, caring and loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at home.

Born in Quincy, Mass., on Sept. 22, 1925, he was the son of the late Ellen (McAuliffe) and Thomas F. Costello. Tom graduated from Quincy High School in 1943, and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He attended Boston College earning a business degree graduating in 1951.

He married Rita Shea in 1953.

Throughout his business career, he was a respected entrepreneur and business leader. Tom joined Alston Studios in 1953 and became president and partner/owner in 1960. He later sold the business in 1975 to join Mystic Color Lab as general manager and ultimately rose to president, retiring in 1990.

Tom was engaged in the Mystic community through the Rotary Club, as a member of Mystic Tourism Committee, and director of Southeastern Chamber of Commerce.

During these years, Mystic Color Lab was considered one of the top photo finishers in the country. Tom highly valued his long personal and professional association with Mystic owners, Stanley Popiel and Ingrid Feddersen.

He was active in the National Photo Finishing and International Photo Marketing organizations which provided an opportunity for him and his wife, Rita, to travel across the United States and around the world.

Tom became a director of Chelsea Groton Bank in 1980 and greatly enjoyed serving in this role until his retirement in 2000.

Tom will be deeply missed for his warmth, compassion, and sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita (Shea) Costello; daughters, Ellen M. Costello and her husband, Michael D. Judge, of Chicago, Ill., Marie A. Simpson and her husband, Rory, of Plainfield, Ruth M Costello of Wethersfield, Rita M Stewart and her husband, Bill, of Plainfield; sons, Thomas J. Costello of Pearland, Texas and Robert P. Costello and his wife, Nicole, of Hebron; and six grandchildren, Jennifer Simpson, David and Samantha Reiss, Ian Thomas Costello, Emma M. Costello, and Natalie J. Costello.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Ann E. Costello.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Michael Church, 95 Main St., Stonington. A private burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, New London. There are no calling hours.

Mystic Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Westerly Hospital (www.westerlyhospital.org) or to the Haitian Health Foundation (www.haitianhealthfoundation.org).