Richard T. Costello, 74, of Neshannock Township, passed away at Presbyterian Hospital Oakland on July 26, 2020 at 12:55 a.m. after a valiant effort by doctors and nurses to save his life. Born on October 5, 1945 to the late Samuel and Ividine Quaranta Costello.
Richard married Veronica George on April 11, 1981 and spent thirty-nine happy years together. They were inseparable, even thru illnesses.
As a member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Site, like his father before him, he was an usher at the Church for many years until he became ill with AML. Richard had worked at Pepsi, METCOA, and as a Bartender at Sons of Italy and Polish Falcons. Those who knew him will remember his quick wit, sense of humor, kindness and strong ethical character. One of the really nice guys. He will be missed by all. Rich was one in a million.
He enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his passion in sports rested with the New York Yankees. He was a lifetime fan. Richard survived leukemia, against all odds, for nearly ten years along with a number of other medical conditions. He enjoyed watching television with his wife, football and Yankee baseball, spending time with Veronica (Ronnie), interacting with friends and family and crossword challenges with his wife (which he always won, by the way).
In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his brother-in-law, Jerry George and his wife, Betty, his sister-in-law Linda George and her husband, Larry Marshall, and his sister-in-law, Helen Gajda. He is also survived by two nieces, Nicole Boughter and her husband, Charles, Christina Walawander and her husband, Marke, and a nephew, Vito George and his wife, Marie.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his nephew, Christopher George and his brother-in-law, Leonard Gajda.
Due to the current health situation in our community, a private visitation for the family will be held at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 South Mill St.
A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Church. Father Joseph McCaffrey, Pastor, will officiate. Entombment will be in Castle View Memorial Gardens.