Bernard Bartholomew Costello

Danville; Bernard Bartholomew Costello Sr., 85, of Danville, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Healthcare System, Palliative Care Unit, in Danville. He was born February 22, 1928 in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, the son of Lawrence F. and Agnes Dailey Costello. He married Ann McCraw on July 23, 1949 in Portland, Maine. She survives. Also surviving are their children, Pamela (Gary) Dziama of Stratham, N.H., Bernard (Karen) Costello Jr. of Danville, Timothy (Jane) Costello of Danville, David Costello of Danville, Brian E. (Leilani) Costello of Denver, Colorado, and Michael Costello of Danville; 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Jean Downing of Manchester, Connecticut, Nancy Davis of Vernon, Connecticut, and Roxann Dwire of Tolland, Connecticut; 1 brother-in-law, Richard (Olga) McCraw of Natick, Massachusetts; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Noreen Phelps, 2 brothers, Joseph and Lawrence. Bernard was a 1946 graduate of Manchester High School in Connecticut, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Vulcann AR-5. After serving his country in the military he studied mechanical drafting and tool design, later earning his degree from Northeastern University in Boston. Bernard worked for Lewis-Shephard in Watertown, Massachusetts until 1971, and then transferred to the Special Projects Engineering Division at the Hyster Company in Danville until his retirement in 1991.Over the years, Bernard enjoyed playing tennis, golf, snow skiing, and most of all enjoyed his time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Private family burial will be held at a later date in New England. Memorial donations may be made in Bernard's name to the VAIHCS: Palliative Care Unit, Voluntary Service 135, 1900 East Main Street, Danville, Illinois 61832, or the charity of the donor's choice. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Danville, assisted the Costello family with cremation rites.