VENTURA
Robert John Costello died on December 11, 2014 after bravely battling lung cancer. Bob was born July 4, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio, the son of John Patrick and Mary Broderick Costello. Bob was a compassionate person who cared deeply about people who are less fortunate. He loved a good joke, the Lakers, Kings, Galaxy, travel, and his beloved family.
Bob was employed in several different positions that involved caring for people who need a helping hand. He was one of the first educational advocates for children with disabilities in the 1970s. He was proud to be co-author of a successful piece of litigation, Yarber v Riles, that ensured the rights of California Special Education students to be educated despite financial shortfalls. He worked with ex-offenders, managing re-entry houses; was the Executive Director of Mental Health Associations in both San Bernardino and Santa Barbara Counties; and worked with homeless people in both private and public sector positions.
Bob ended his career as a Social Worker for the County of Ventura and was proud to be part of the founding of the RAIN Transitional Living Center. Bob was well know and loved by many people "on the streets" and was often called by law enforcement or mental health officials to assist in difficult circumstances. It was not uncommon for people to come up to Bob and thank him for having helped them get out of the cycle of addiction, untreated mental illness, or chronic homelessness. In retirement, he walked Main Street Ventura every day, keeping an eye out for "his people". He has a treasure trove of amazing stories to tell.
Bob met his wife, Fran Arner-Costello, through their mutual passion for helping people with disabilities and Bob was always a devoted supporter of Fran's career in Special Education. Bob and Fran realized their reams of travel to many places around the world and loved raising their children together.
Bob believed in the dream of world peace and was involved with the peace movement for many years. He participated in numerous protest marches and demonstrations and never stopped hoping that peaceful solutions to world conflicts can be found.
Bob was especially proud of his six children and devoted himself to all aspects of their lives. His oldest daughter, Theresa Costello, died in 2010. His surviving children are cheryl Kopp (husband Gus), Jason Costello (wife Katherine), Sarah Hale (husband Nate), and Ian Costello. He leaves behind six beautiful grandchildren, Alexis Stouff, Joshua Kopp, Mika Jenkins (husband Casey), Avery Hale, Michael Kopp, and Isla Hale and two great grandchildren Jayden and Rylan Stouff.
A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on January 17th, 2015 at 2:00pm at the First United Methodist Church,1338 East Santa Clara Street Ventura. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Food Share of Ventura County, a charity that Bob believed made a difference in helping people in need.
Arrangements are private and under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.