Gilbert (Gil) Patrick Costello

September 14, 1930 - April 5, 2017

Gilbert (Gil) Patrick Costello was born on Sept. 14, 1930 to Val & Ella (O'Brien) Costello in Clinton, Iowa and passed into eternal life suddenly on April 5, 2017 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at age 86. He is with the Lord joining his beloved mother, father, two brothers, one sister, and infant son, Gilbert Patrick “baby brother”. He is survived by his 8 children: Patricia E & (Dennis) Clower of Channahon IL, Brenda R Catardi of Hoffman Estates IL, Debra S Keehma of Minooka IL, Mary Jo Costello of Knoxville TN, Steven F Costello of Gulf Port MS, Teresia M (Casey) Kjonaas of Apache Junction AZ, Karen M (Fred) Smith of Channahon IL and Kevin W (Renee) Costello of Palm Coast FL, as well as 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Gil was the third of ten children. His siblings are: James J (Evelyn) Costello of Charlotte IA, Michael T (deceased) (Imogene) Costello of Clarksville TN, Eileen T (Patrick) Noonan of Knox IN, Marie Leenknecht of Moline IL, John V (Lorie) Costello of Branson MO, Baby Sister (deceased), R Paul (deceased) Costello of Plymouth IN, L Ralph (Fern) Costello of Plymouth IN and Donald (Ruth) Costello of Bolingbrook IL. Numerous nieces and nephews, great and great-great also survive. Gil was raised on the family farm in Petersville, IA and attended Petersville elementary. He graduated from Charlotte High School, enlisted and served for 4 years in the Air Force, serving in Texas and California much of the time as a company clerk.  Upon Honorable Discharge, he was employed by General Electric in Morrison, IL before moving to the Joliet, IL area where he became a truck and tractor mechanic.  In the late 1950's he began driving semi- tractor/trailer delivering Rambler cars from Kenosha, WI for several years.  Later he changed to delivering steel and other cargo as he became a "happy, paid tourist" (his words) while he thoroughly enjoyed touring 48 of our 50 beautiful states.  He graduated from Joliet Junior College with an associate degree in business. He loved each and every one of his children raising them in the Joliet/Channahon, IL area.  When his children were raised and on their own, he moved to his "God's country" home high in the Rockies in Westcliffe, Co. where he has lived for the last 20 years enjoying the beautiful country and his many friends.  He enjoyed socializing with his Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church community where he was a devoted member and where he was also active in the Knights of Columbus. He was active member of the American Legion Post#170 in Westcliffe. He enjoyed frequent country dancing and making friends wherever he went, sharing his many stories and jokes. He was always at the ready to help anyone in any way that he could. 
Mass service was held on April 12th, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Westcliffe CO. Family services will be held in Channahon, Illinois with memorial services on Thursday April 27th from 4-8 p.m. at The Maple Funeral Home & Crematory. Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday April 28th at St. Ann Catholic Church. Rosary will precede mass at St. Ann at 10:00 a.m. Internment with full military honors will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Westcliffe would be appreciated.