Russell L. Costello

Russell L. Costello, 92, passed away on July 7, 2021 in Rockford, Illinois. He was born in Rockford on May 9, 1929, son to Michael and Rose (Marelli) Costello. He graduated from St. Thomas High School and attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA. In 1951 he entered the U.S. Army and was a member of the 13th Signal, 1st Cavalry Division, attaining the rank of sergeant first class, serving his country in S. Korea and then Japan until 1953. He married Laura DeFrank on October 9, 1954, in Ottawa, Illinois, whom he met while in college. Russ was a devoted and loving husband and father of 7 children. He has been a long-time active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, serving as usher and Eucharistic Minister, and was a fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus. He was employed by Standard Oil Company, later known as Amoco, as a sales and marketing representative for 31 years before retirement. Russ was an avid golfer, fisherman and vegetable gardener, and delighted in sharing his harvest with family and friends. In his later years he enjoyed making rosaries for the missionaries and became a skilled woodworking craftsman. It gave him great joy to present his creations to family members, especially his grandchildren. In 2018 the Corpus Christi Monastery of the Poor Clares accepted Russ’ donation of his woodworking equipment, joyfully naming his table saw “The Russell”.

Russell is survived by his wife of 66 years, Laura; his children Denise, Russ (Catherine), Dennis (Sue), Steve (Tina), Cynthia, Jim (Amy), and Mark (Beth) Costello; his grandchildren Michael, Liz, Alexandra, Christopher, Emma, Ben, Francesca and Olivia Costello; brother Michael “Mickey” Costello, numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Roger, sister-in-law Patricia Costello, sister-in-law Janice Costello brother-in-law Frank DeFrank and sister-in-law Florence DeFrank.

A Memorial Mass will take place on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107. Visitation will take place on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois. Memorials to St. Elizabeth Center, OSF Hospice and Ascension Living St. Anne Place. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com