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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
John Baron
Costello
December 20, 1936 – August 6, 2023
Obituary
Celebrating the life of:
Tampa native, is home to stay.
John Costello, 86, died Aug. 6 th in Tampa. He had been in poor health,
dealing with heart and kidney problems over the last few years. He also
had diabetes.
But even with his flagging health, John remained larger than life for many in
his family, his dry wit and characteristic sarcasm belying a two-fisted
determination to help any and all family members in need. Throughout the
decades, he was the family problem-solver, the voice of reason, and the
shoulder to cry on for generations.
They would all come to learn his secret … t hat his strict countenance hid a
warm heart!
He attended Jesuit High School until the age of 16 at which time he moved,
along with his mother and sister, to Oklahoma. It was there that he finished
high school and his mother signed the paperwork to allow him to join the
United States Air Force, where he spent four years during the Korean War
in England and in Spain.
It was while he was in the Air Force that a friend suggested he meet
Luanne Middlebrooks. Given the times, her strict parents only allowed them
to first talk by phone for two weeks, and only meet briefly after that at a
Dairy Queen for a soft drink on their first date. It was a meeting that would
change both their lives and lead to a 38-year marriage and two boys,
Michael and Garry.
Throughout his travels, John always wanted to return to his birthplace. It
was as a friend told him: "Once you get sand in your shoes, you'll always
want to come back to Tampa."
He and his new wife returned to Tampa and he multi-tasked. He earned a
two-year scholarship to the University of Tampa and helped run his father's
furniture and moving company while also working full time. He became a
credit manager at Florida Steel Company, and, later, ran the credit
department at Mary Carter Paints. Friends and colleagues in both
companies often turned to him for advice, just like his family.
He endured more than his share of heartbreak as he helped with hospice
care and end-of-life decisions for his two brothers, three sisters and his
youngest son, who died way too early.
Generations of family members and friends will remember him for his jokes
and for his singing of fun and irreverent songs at gatherings while playing
his ukulele, which he taught himself to play. Most of all, though, those who
knew him will remember him for helping them through thick and thin.
He is survived by his son, Michael Costello (and Michael's wife Tammy),
his ex-wife, Luanne Mello; longtime friend and companion, Susan Marando;
and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son,
Garry Costello; brothers David Costello and Richard Costello; and sisters
Anita Ward, Eleanor Holland, and Mary Vice.
John Baron Costello will be cremated and his remains with stay in Serenity
Gardens, But if God should ever need good advice, he (or she) can lean
over in heaven and ask.
Just, as always, in life!
Services
Visitation
MACDONALD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Memorial Service
MACDONALD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
Starts at 12:00 pm
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