Joe Costello passed away July 16, 2008 as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke. He was born Sept. 30, 1941 to Earl and Lillian (Carlson) Costello at Maynard Hospital in Seattle.

He grew up on the East Side in Pine Lake and Kirkland. He attended Lake Washington High School and played basketball and football (right end) graduating in 1960. He attended Washington State University, majoring in hotel and restaurant management.

One summer, while working to earn college money, he painted a building for Dick Balch at T-Bird Lane in the “U” District. When Dick went to lunch, he told Joe to deal with any customers who might stop by. After selling his first car, Joe never returned to WSU, but continued working at car sales.

He joined the Air Force reserves and was called to active duty Jan. 26, 1968 until Nov. 14, 1970 during the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge, he decided to sell real estate.

He moved to Whidbey Island in 1968 and pursued his real estate career, earning a broker’s license and specializing in timber sales. He briefly fished in Alaska, and always mentioned the 200-pound halibut he caught that he shot in the head, tied off the bow with a line and coat hanger and dragged around all day till it finally was dead and he could haul it on a log boom to clean it.

Joe was a member for many years of American Legion Post No. 6 in Everett. He was active raising money and donations, particularly for the annual children’s Christmas party and Post 6 picnic. He was most recently a member of Post No. 96 in Snohomish.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl.

He is survived by his wife of

27 years, Susan; his mother, Lillian Nesheim; half brother, Earl (Tina) Costello; brother, Mike (Susan) Costello; son, Stephen (Eliana) Costello; and granddaughter, Darrian.

At Joe’s request there will be no funeral services. A celebration of his life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at FOE 13 Everett Eagles, 1216 Broadway Ave., Everett.