Thomas Costello

ANTIOCH, Calif.--Thomas Raymond Costello, 71, died peacefully at his home in Antioch on February 23, 2011. He leaves his wife of 44 years, Bari (Ross) Costello; his son, David Mathew Costello and his wife Marie; his two grandchildren, Matthew Thomas Costello and Olivia Marie Costello; his sister Patricia Louise Costello and her son Rich Costello, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many close friends. He was preceeded in death by his father, Edward Thomas Costello; his mother, Laura Catherine Costello; his brother, Edward Charles Costello; and his sister, Barbara Meeks Costello. Born and raised in Toronto, Ohio, Tom moved to Antioch when he was 9 years old. The family then moved to Bethel Island for many years, before returning to Antioch, his primary home for most of his adult life. After graduating from Antioch High School in 1957, Tom enlisted in the United States Army, serving for two years as an intelligence officer with stints at Fort Devens, Massachusetts and Okinawa, Japan. After the Army, he was employed at Crown Zellerbach, Continental Can, and as a real estate agent. Following that, he founded and was principal of Marine Lien Sales Service for 37 years. In this capacity, he provided services for marinas and harbors throughout California. Tom had a passion for the outdoors. He often organized and took part in adventure oriented trips such as Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Ensanada and Rosarito Beach Mexico; Yosemite; Lake Tahoe; and numerous lakes, ponds, and parks throughout California. These trips would center around exploration, discovery, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, rafting, hiking, and sightseeing. In his later years, he also vacationed in Cape Cod and other parts of Massachusetts and the Caribbean Islands. An avid supporter of his beloved Antioch, Tom became a committed volunteer of community service. He co-founded the Restoration Preservation Society to help maintain the viability of downtown Antioch. He was an active board member of the Antioch Historical Society, where he participated in many events and activities for the city. He and his wife, Bari, sponsored and supported many Frank J. Ballesterors shows and productions at the Virginia J. Calisesi Studio Theatre. Tom and Bari also resided in one of Antioch's finest historical homes, The Belshaw House. In 2010, Tom became the first Vice President of the new non-profit organization "Friends of the Roswell Butler Hard House." This group hopes to preserve and restore the first Mayor's home in Antioch. Most recently, he participated in meetings to preserve the Antioch Boat Ramp at Fulton Shipyard and rename the historic point to "Smith's Point" in honor of the community founder. Tom was a great collector of boats, vintage trailors, and foreign cars. The public viewing will be held on Monday, February 28, from 11am-1pm at the United Pentacostal Church at 101 West 9th Street in Antioch. A memorial will be held at the Antioch Historical Society starting at 2pm and is open to the public. Adventurer, Strong, and Generous.