Michael J. Costello passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease, with his wife and dog Maggie by his side, early Thanksgiving morning, November 25, 2021, at his home in Florida. He was born April 17, 1950 in the Bronx.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle Moore, his daughter Kathleen Costello, Winter Haven, Florida, two grandsons, Thomas and John Costello, Yorktown, NY, his sister Marianne (Frank) Quattrochiocchi, Sarasota, Florida, brother Thomas (Donna), Cary, NC, sister Marie (Paul) Inserra, Cary, NC, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and his estranged son Michael, Yorktown, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Anne (McKeon) and sister Regina (Stephan) Knapp.
Michael was born in the Pelham Bay area of the Bronx, and for the majority of his life raised on City Island. He loved the Bronx with his entire being and no matter where he went, the Bronx was his home. He was a member of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic parish, later becoming a member of Our Lady of Assumption parish.
Michael served honorably and proudly as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 32 years from July 16, 1973 to July 18, 2005. His career involved kidnapping, bank robberies, Russian Organized Crime, turning two spies over to the American side, retiring from the Bureau working Special Operations Joint Terrorist Task Force (JTTF), participating in the arrest of several terrorists on American soil. In October 1979 he was assigned to the detail protecting Pope John Paul II during his visit to New York City. He worked the 1986 Olympics in Los Angeles, taking in as many of the events that he could, even running into a cousin who was working the food service there. What a joy for him. Michael never wanted accolades for performing a job he loved and was very humble. He was the epitome of what a Special Agent for the FBI stands for.
After his retirement, Michael did substitute teaching for the Stamford, Connecticut School District. Being able to teach and help mold the mind of a child was important to him. Enlightening their minds to the pitfalls of life and the corruption they may be involved in or could get trapped in and seeing their eyes widen as he was getting through to them meant a lot to him.
Michael graduated Southern Connecticut University with a double major, History and English, planning to be a teacher, until his true calling with the FBI beckoned to him. He attended High School at Mount St. Michael in the Bronx. He was the President of the Men’s Club for Mount St. Michael during the time his son attended.
Michael’s first love was his family, followed closely by his religion. His devotion to The New York Yankees and New York Giants was unsurpassed. He loved golf, with a 6 handicap, playing with a group of Irishmen from his Grandfather’s Pub, The Emerald Isle, and his Father. Tee time was always early in the morning so they would arrive before sunrise to get the tee time they desired. They always enjoyed the 19th Hole recapping how the match played out and settling any friendly wagers they may have placed on a particular hole. Michael did achieve a feat all golfers strive for, a hole in one. He was very proud of that accomplishment.
He was always there for his children. He supported them in all facets of their lives. Attending sporting events they participated in, school functions or every day life, Michael put his children first. His love for them was unwavering, no mater what, proud of them for their accomplishments and there to give encouraging words when needed.
Michael loved everyone. He had nothing but positive intentions and feelings in everything he did. Doing Corporal Works of Mercy was natural for him. His life and his heart were filled with love and kindness for all God’s creatures no matter what. He was loved and admired by his family, friends and strangers alike.
In 2000, Michael fulfilled a lifetime dream and took a trip to Ireland to visit relatives, see the country and see the family homestead. During his visit, he climbed the religious mountain Croagh Patrick, in Westport, County Mayo. Staying true to his religious convictions, he climbed this rocky, slippery mountain in his bare feet, as St. Patrick had done so long ago. Completing the stations of the cross along the climb and at the top of the mountain surrounding the Chapel. This was inspirational for him and deepened his Faith even more.
Michael enjoyed life. Whether at the DA Beach Club in the Bronx with his children, attending a Yankee game or Giants game, spending time with his grandsons, a BBQ with friends or family or savoring a Coors Lite and a Newport while relaxing. He was a Shanachie, an Irish storyteller, relating humorous life stories or a work experiences, he reveled in making people laugh and smile. Bringing joy to others brought joy to him. He loved being the tour guide when family came to visit. Giving them the “Michael NYC tour”! A drive by Yankee Stadium, Little Italy in the Bronx, Crosby Pizza, down to Harlem past the Apollo, into Central Park, down Fifth Avenue stopping at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Rockefeller Center, the Intrepid to name a few highlights. The finale would be Katz’s Deli on Houston Street for an enormous pastrami or corned beef sandwich. Making a U-turn in the middle of Manhattan is not something we lay people even consider, but to Michael this was every day life, shocking and impressing his guests each and every time. Traffic blew their horns but they went unheard as he continued on his way undaunted. Taking Thanksgiving visitors to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade was another favorite of his to share.
Michael made an impressive and positive mark on the world during his short time here. He is loved so dearly and will be missed for eternity.
Rest now Michael, your watch is over.
John Quattrociocchi
November 30, 2021, 12:31 am
My condolences on Micheal’s passing he was a great man who did a great service to his family and his country you’ve left us far too soon and you will be missed
Marianne Quattrociocchi
November 30, 2021, 3:27 am
Michael’s life was one of service and love. Michael took all aspects of his responsibilities seriously. His priority was his family. He would make time in his busy work day to do after school activities with his children, because everything he did was for them. Once Michael Andrew and Kathleen were in his life, his focus was all about them. Then when Michael was blessed with the joy of having grandchildren, he would make the trip from Stamford, Connecticut to Yorktown Heights, New York to attend any events the grandchildren were involved in. He was a family man. Michael loved being an FBI Agent, he loved his family, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, golf and his religion. He was a Bronx boy and proud of it. When his sister needed his blood in her cancer treatment, he did not hesitate to do this. He was the only sibling who was a match. He took care of his father during his illness with Alzheimer’s. That was Michael, if it needed doing, he just did it. He never turned away from anything. He never complained about the Alzheimer’s. He was that person. There are not too many like him. Michael was not a saint, he was human, and he was a brave, dependable and honorable man. Michael I will miss talking to you on the phone and knowing you are here. You went home on Thanksgiving and I am sure there was a huge celebration (and no lima beans).
Katherine Downing
November 30, 2021, 6:11 pm
My condolences to Michael’s wife, Gayle, and to the rest of his family and friends. So lucky to have been loved by so many. Rest now.
Donna Kennedy
November 30, 2021, 9:01 pm
Mike was one of the kindest most generous people I’ve ever met. I will miss him so very much. I visited Mike and Gayle (my sister) and was a recipient of one of Mike’s personal NYC tours. I loved hearing the history of the city and getting Mike’s version of events that have happened throughout the years. My tour lasted several days. On the final day he took me to the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. We were standing on a side street about 25 people deep. He kept trying to get me closer; winding through the crowd and maneuvering in front of people as only Mike could do. The wind was blowing and it was biting cold that day. I was freezing cold! He asked me several times if I wanted his coat. I tried to reassure him that I was ok. After about 30 minutes he told me to “stay right here. I’ll be right back.” He went to the front of the intersection where the NYPD had their cars parked as barricades and I saw him talking to the officers who were standing outside their patrol cars. He made his way back to me and grabbed my hand and said “follow me” and we made our way to the front of the crowd. He convinced one of the officers to let me sit in their car to watch the parade so I could warm up. I had the best seat in town!!!! Mike was always watching out for the ones he loved and he’ll continue to watch out over all of us. Mike always held a special place in our family and in my heart.
Donna Kennedy
November 30, 2021, 9:03 pm
Mike was one of the kindest most generous people I’ve ever met. I will miss him so very much. In 2005 I visited Mike and Gayle (my sister) and was a recipient of one of Mike’s personal NYC tours. I loved hearing the history of the city and getting Mike’s version of events that have happened throughout the years. My tour lasted several days. On the final day he took me to the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. We were standing on a side street about 25 people deep. He kept trying to get me closer; winding through the crowd and maneuvering in front of people as only Mike could do. The wind was blowing and it was biting cold that day. I was freezing cold! He asked me several times if I wanted his coat. I tried to reassure him that I was ok. After about 30 minutes he told me to “stay right here. I’ll be right back.” He went to the front of the intersection where the NYPD had their cars parked as barricades and I saw him talking to the officers who were standing outside their patrol cars. He made his way back to me and grabbed my hand and said “follow me” and we made our way to the front of the crowd. He convinced one of the officers to let me sit in their car to watch the parade so I could warm up. I had the best seat in town!!!! Mike was always watching out for the ones he loved and he’ll continue to watch out over all of us. Mike always held a special place in our family and in my heart.
Ellen McKeon
December 1, 2021, 2:39 am
Dear Gayle and all the Costellos….Michael was always my older cousin…he lived in NY and we lived In Massachusetts..but every time I saw him, I saw the McKeons…he had those blue eyes and blonde hair that is so characteristic of the McKeon side….he always had such a pleasant demeanor…I’ll never forget the summer of 1986…he was at the LA Olympics as an FBI agent, my sister Mary was working the games in the food industry and Patty and I were just there for fun. Pre cell phones, he found us and took us all over LA and to all the Olympic spots to see the games and the athletes. What a guy! I will always cherish fond memories of him. Gayle and the Costellos..you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharyn Hale
December 2, 2021, 4:49 am
My deepest condolences to Gayle, Mary Ann, Thomas, Marie and all of Michael’s loved ones. Another good man has left us, and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of loss and sadness. I have many happy memories of Michael and all of our “New York” cousins from our growing-up years. It was always a cause for great excitement when my family would travel to New York for a week-end stay on City Island with Uncle Tom, Aunt Anne and our cousins. In the early years that was at their home on Minnieford Ave., which was within walking distance of a beach. Growing up in a landlocked city in Massachusetts, the idea of living just a few minutes from a beach was amazing to my brother and me. Our cousins were so very lucky!! Whenever we’d go to that beach, Michael, being the oldest of the Costello siblings, would help guide us there. He knew the way and, even as a little kid he enjoyed being a leader! At some point in time the family moved from Minnieford Ave. to Tier St. and we’d visit them at that wonderful home there with its incredibly long driveway, wraparound enclosed porch and sweeping views of the bay. I remember enjoying fun, picnic-style meals in the yard there. Being able to eat outside, overlooking the water, was just the greatest for us kids! In later years, when we’d all gone off in different directions, it was the big family events that brought us cousins together, whether the sadness of a funeral to console one another or the joy of a wedding full of happy celebration. I always knew I’d see Michael on those occasions, because family was so very important to him. Now he is at rest with all of those beloved family members who have gone before us. May you rest in peace, Michael…..
Jim and Anne Mitchell
December 8, 2021, 1:26 pm
Our sympathy to the Costello family. We first met Mike and his family when he was transferred to Houston. We had such good times while they stayed in Texas. There was an instant connection. Michael and Kathleen were a delight to know as children. One of the highlights was the Thanksgiving dinner we had before you left to return to NYC. Miss you Mike and family. May God bless all of you.