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Mr. James E. Costello Veteran
June 01, 2021

Obituary

It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of Mr. James E. Costello.
Mr. Costello, was born on October 20, 1936 in Haverhill, MA. The loving husband of Elaine C. (Guilmette) Costello of Lawrence, MA.
Jim’s Paternal grandmother Alice L. (Sheridan) Costello was born in Belfast, Ireland, his paternal grandfather Myles Costello was born in Galway Bay, Ireland. Upon emigration to the United States in the 1800’s they operated Costello and Son’s Tailoring Company located in Haverhill.
Jim’s parents were John T. Costello and May B. (Keefe) Costello both of Haverhill. Jim’s dad John was proprietor of Costello’s Auto School at 98 Merrimack Street in Haverhill.
Jim’s maternal grandparents John and Bernadette H. (Vaudreuil) Keefe both of Lawrence were employed many years at Sealtest Ice Cream Company in North Lawrence. In 1913 Jim’s grandfather John Keefe assisted in a rescue operation during the City Bath House Collapse on the North side of the Merrimack River, a tragedy in which 11 boys ranging from 8 to 15 drowned. Fully clothed John Keefe of 84 Water Street leaped into the churned-up water of the Merrimack to assist.
James graduated from St. James Grammar school and Haverhill High, Haverhill Trade School in 1954; Employed by Stark and Cronk as a master Plumber in Groveland, MA, then employed by Raytheon MSD as a Facilities Construction Manager from 1980 until his retirement in 2002.
Jim honorably served his country with the United States Navy aboard the USS John Paul Jones from 1954 through 1956. While in the Navy Jim was stationed in European waters for NATO exercises a Damage Control 2nd Class. One highlight in Jim’s Naval career was the ride of his life in a steel chair attached to a wire winched over the churning ocean on the Highline to perform damage control on another Naval Destroyer.
He was a member of the National rifle Association, Tewksbury Rod and Gun Club, and the American Legion. Jim was a loyal supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and The Paralyzed Veterans of America. 
Jim was predeceased by his parents James T. and May B. Costello of Haverhill and brother John T. Costello of Seabrook. 
James is survived by his loving wife Elaine C. (Guilmette) Costello of Lawrence,  Joan Costello of Haverhill, James Costello of Nahant, Kevin Costello of Haverhill, Robert Fortin of Lee NH, Daniel Fortin of Allenstown NH, 6 grandchildren, Kyle, Zachary, Allison, Emily, Michael, and Amber.  In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to The Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970. (978) 745-9888.
Those we love do not go away. They walk inside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.
Jim, I wish you “Fair Winds and Following Sea’s”, your loving wife Elaine.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date this fall.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Burke–Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 N. Main Street, Andover, MA. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.

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Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home
390 North Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-5200