Fr. John Costello, C.S.Sp., a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, died peacefully May 2, 2017 at St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh PA after a brief illness. He was 88 years old.
Father Costello was born March 22, 1929 in Wilkinsburg PA. He professed his vows as a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit on August 22, 1949 at Holy Ghost Novitiate in Ridgefield, CT and was ordained to the Priesthood June 3, 1954 at St. Mary’s Seminary, Ferndale in Norwalk CT.
Father was first appointed to Puerto Rico where he served for 34 years in the missions of Rio Grande, Toa Alta, Vilquez and Orocovis. Upon his return to the States in 1989 he was chaplain for the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung NJ, Assistant at St. Mary Parish, Stoney Hill, NJ and Assistant Pastor at St. Mary, Detroit MI. He also did ministry at St. John of the Cross and St. Helen in Vero Beach FL. Father retired to the Spiritans’ retirement home in Sarasota FL in 2005 and has been in residence at Libermann Hall in Bethel Park since 2010.
Fr. Costello was preceded in death by his parents John J. and Alice Shields Costello and his sister, Mrs. Dennis Mulvihill. He is survived by nieces and nephews.
There will be viewing in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at the Spiritan Center, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park on Monday, May 8 from 9-10:45 am with the Funeral Mass being celebrated at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, O’Hara Twp. in Pittsburgh PA.
Condolences can be sent to his niece Maura Mulvihill, 1918 Glenn Ross Road, Silver Spring MD 20910.