John Joseph Costello

John Costello, 88, of Billings, passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.

John was born on Aug. 23, 1934, to Frank and Catherine (Cullity) Costello. He was the third of 10 brothers and sisters. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts. John was 6 when his family moved to Billings. He attended Kate Fratt Memorial School and graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1952. He attended the University of Portland for two years to run track and field. He then returned to Billings and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Ladd. They were married on July 16, 1955 and were together 67 years. Together, they raised seven amazing children: Frank (Teresa), Jim (Karen), Susan (Wayne), Patrick (Jill), John (Jean), Kathy (Russ), and Thomas (Carol). They were blessed with 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

John worked for KOA for 38 years and retired in 2000. John enjoyed his retirement by spending all his time with his grandchildren. They were the brightest lights of his life. John will be remembered for his unique sense of humor and cheesy jokes. As a good storyteller, John always had a joke to tell no matter the occasion, even if he had told it two or three times.

Faith and family were priorities in John’s life. He was a devoted member of the St. Thomas the Apostle Church. He lived out his faith by spending countless hours serving others and instilled a love for God in his family.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Catherine; siblings, Mary, Frank, Judy, Jim, Tom and Joe. He was also preceded in death by his son Patrick’s first wife, Susan; and daughter Kathy’s husband, Russ.

Services will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Billings on Friday, May 12, at 10 a.m. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of one’s choice.

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