Obituary of Fr. Patrick Costello

COSTELLO, Reverend Patrick Joseph Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Riverview Gardens in Chatham on December 25, 2007. He was in his 79th year. He was the son of the late T.H. Costello (1959) and Annie (O'Neill) Costello (1966). He was also predeceased by an infant brother Hugh (1930), a niece Anne Marie O'Brien (1974), a nephew Patrick O'Brien (1983) and a great niece Anna O'Brien (1995). He is survived by his sister Inez and brother-in-law Edwin Burke of Dearborn Heights, Michigan and their children; Michael (Sue), Patrick (Mary Ann), Paul (Sue), Tom (Pam), Gerry (Janet), and Mary Beth, all of Michigan, and Tim (Kim) of Florida. Also his sister Helen and brother-in-law Gerry of Chatham and their children; Maureen (Michael) of Vancouver, Tom (Sheila) of London, Colleen (Henry) of London and Jim (Anita) of Erie Beach. He is also survived by 26 great nieces and nephews. "Father Pat" was ordained a Catholic priest on June 12, 1954 and served many parishes in the London diocese; St. Mary's (London), Holy Name of Mary (Windsor), Our Lady of Help (Wallaceburg), Holy Angels (St. Thomas), St. Anne's (St. Thomas) and Sacred Heart (Port Lambton). During his 25 years at St. Anne's in St. Thomas he established the. "St. Anne's Festival" and the "Sports Spectacular" each raising money for charities and groups such as the Special Olympics. He also built the St. Anne's Centre and Festival Gardens (a residence for seniors). While at St. Anne's Father Pat also formed a relationship with the Archdiocese of Songea (Tanzania, Africa) and the Diocese of Lusaka (Zambia, Africa). He retired in 1999 and celebrated 50 years as a priest in 2004. He will be remembered as an outgoing priest who served not only the members of his parish but also the members of the community in general. He was instrumental in starting youth groups and youth sports leagues in the cities of his parishes. He will be missed by many. Visitation will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 145 Victoria Avenue, Chatham on Friday 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00-11:00 a.m. Parish Prayers Friday at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church on Saturday December 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Interment St. Anthony Cemetery, Chatham. Memorial Donations to St. Anne’s Parish Restoration Fund (St. Thomas) or Canadian Cancer Society (for Research) may be arranged during visitation or by contacting the Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com A very special thank-you to Dr. Parry and the 3rd floor staff at Riverview Gardens (Chatham). Arrangements entrusted to: McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-351-2040