Mr. George (Costopoulos) Costos, 88, a lifelong resident of Lowell died Tuesday January 13, 2009 after a brief illness surrounded by his family.
Born April 15, 1920 in Lowell, a son of the late Achilleas and Kitsa (Zingovas) Costopoulos who emigrated from Thessaly, Greece arriving at Ellis Island, N.Y. in 1909.
For sixty-three years, George was the beloved husband of Catherine (Boutselis) Costos who passed away March 7, 2008.
George was educated in Lowell and was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1938. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with honors in 1976, from the University of Mass.- Lowell.
In 1942 George enlisted as a Naval Aviation Cadet and became a Marine Corps Pilot serving in World War II and Korea. He was one of twelve cadets from the Boston area who graduated from the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida and was commissioned as a second Lieutenant, Naval Aviator. Through the years, he continued his career in the Marines and on August 1, 1967 he was appointed Colonel, U.S. Marine Corp and retired on April 15, 1980.
In 1951 George joined the Lowell Police Department where he experienced a distinguished career, retiring as a Sergeant in 1983. George began his thirty two year career with the Lowell Police Dept. as a patrolman. And later he was the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Bureau. He established and directed the Police Academy and served as a prosecutor at the Lowell District Court. He completed his career with the Lowell Police Dept. as Officer in Charge with the Division of Research and Planning.
After retirement for approximately five years, he embarked on a part time career working for 76 Development, a building and design business. This was an especially rewarding and fulfilling time for him.
George was an avid golfer and maintained a lifetime membership at Longmeadow Golf Club. He served on the Board of Directors for twenty years and later as President for two years. He was instrumental in organizing and was chairman of the City Tournaments for fifteen years, representing Longmeadow and in later years was chairman of the Seniors City Tournament at Vesper Country Club.
A well known member of the Greek Community, he was a lifelong member of the Holy Trinity Hellenic Orthodox Church in Lowell and held memberships in the Order of the A.H.E.P.A. and was a past commander and charter member of the Greek American Legion.
In addition, he was past president of the Lowell Police, Superior Officers Association and held membership in the Marine Corp League and Marine Corp Aviation Association.
He is survived by his two daughters, Carol Costos of Lowell and Paula Cooper and her husband Harry of Londonderry, NH; his son, Bruce Costos and his life partner Michael Monahan of Chelmsford; two grandsons, Wesley Cooper of Manchester, NH and Jonathan Cooper of Brighton, Ma; two brothers, Louis Costos of Clearwater, Fl. and Charles Costos and his wife Katherine of Jacksonville, Fl; a sister in law, Elizabeth Costos of Chelmsford; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to the passing of his wife Catherine, George was pre-deceased by his beloved brother, Christos Costos, sisters, Helen and Mary Costopoulos and sister in law, Bella Costos.
Relatives and friends will be received at the M.R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St, Lowell on Thursday, Jan 15 from 4 to 8pm. His funeral will take place from the Funeral Home on Friday morning at 10am followed by a funeral service at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell at 11am. Interment to follow in Lowell Cemetery, Lowell. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Holy Trinity Church, Lewis St. Lowell, Ma. 01854 .