Obituary of Jack Costello
COSTELLO, JACK P. Ft. McCoy - Jack P. Costello, 86, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 12,
2009 at Tuscany Hospice House. He was born in Ocala and was a lifetime resident. He was preceded
in death by his father, Peter Paul Costello, his mother Ruby Fausett Costello and his brother
Harry F. Costello. He began working after school at age 11 for his mother, who was then the owner
of Southern Plate Glass & Paint Co., a longtime Ocala business which is still in business
today and operated by his daughter, Deborah C. Gates. During his later years, Mr. Costello
learned the art of making stained glass panels. That experience, along with his artistic talent,
earned him a renowned reputation in the area. When he retired in 2003 he worked full time making
panels for several churches in the area, including Fairfield Presbyterian, Pine United Methodist
and Incarnation Lutheran, as well as for customers throughout Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico.
Mr. Costello was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 2730. The Art Glass Association International,
enjoyed fishing, woodworking and Big Band music, but his love was hunting. He earned the nickname
of "Action Jackson" for his ability to kill two turkeys with one shot and for typically
out-hunting his son, Stephen, friends and nephew, Roger Ferguson. Jack is survived by his wife of
almost 60 years, Deborah F. ("Bobbie") Costello of Ft. McCoy, his daughters, Debbie (Danny) Gates
of Ft. McCoy, Pat Laster of Ft. McCoy, Dolores (Farrell) Asbell of Brevard, NC, his sons, Bob
(Carol) Costello of Huntsville, AL, John Costello of Alachua and Stephen (Heidi) Costello of
Ocala, his ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009 at 12:00 P.M. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs
Blvd. Visitation will be from 10 AM to 12 PM. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Marion County.