Stephen Costello

Another member of the WWII “Greatest Generation” has passed away. Stephen A. Costello, age 87, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009 a Heartland Nursing Facility in Ann Arbor, MI. Born August 25, 1921 in Monroe to Mary (Leto) and Saverio Costello. He married his beloved wife Marion (Giarmo) on December 2, 1943 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Sadly she passed away on January 14, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Josephine Clemons and Madeline Costello and a brother Frank. His brother Joe and sister Grace Costello survives. He dutifully served his country during the war in the Pacific Theater. He was associated with Company G, 383rd Infantry, 96th Division. They were known as the “Dead Eyes”. As a Staff Sergeant in the Combat Infantry he saw action in the Southern Philippines Campaign and the Ryukuku Islands Campaign. It was during the Ryukuku Campaign that his left leg was blown off by an exploding grenade. His life was spared by a medal that he kept in his wallet that stopped the shrapnel from hitting the main artery in his leg. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Good conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon with Two Bronze Stars and one Arrowhead and a Philippines Liberation Ribbon with Two Stars. He was a member of Post 79 Disabled American Veterans and a member of the Monroe Post 1138 Veterans of Foreign Wars. He courageously served his country as so many of his generation. He never spoke of the war or of his courage. All who knew this quiet man were proud of his wartime service and how he carried himself in life. A man of few words he was respected and loved by all who knew him. As a resident of Heartland Nursing Center for two years he was known as “Papa”. Many times the staff would sit with him and watch television or come in to share some of the candy that he always had in his room. He worked at the United States Post Office, Monroe Branch from 1957 until his retirement in 1983. Once retired he and his wife were seen daily in restaurants in Monroe. There favorite hang outs were Dolce Vita, Delta Coney Island, McDonalds, and of course, Meijer in the evenings. A family joke was if you were looking for Marion and Steve – go to Meijer. His favorite times were with his family sharing stories about the “Good Old Days” and visiting daughters out of town. He was a simple man who loved God his family and country. The heart of his life were his daughters; Kathlene Costello, Madeline (James) Younglove and Mary (Edwin) Johnson, two grandsons and a great grand son. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe, where a scripture service will be held at 6:00 PM. On Wednesday, June 17, 2009 he will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 10:00 AM until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. Fr. William Fisher, pastor of the church will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be give to a Veterans Group of the donor’s choice.