Obituary of Robert Costello

Robert Martin Costello January 13, 1928 - March 11, 2012 Robert Martin Costello, our dear husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather sadly passed on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at his beloved home in Moorpark, California. He departed peacefully in the company of his devoted family and will be deeply missed. Bob was born in Spokane, Washington on January 13, 1928 to Mary and Frank Costello. Shortly after his birth his family moved to an Italian neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. Bob's legacy of hard work began at the young age of 10 years old when he was hired to push a cart down the streets of Chicago selling and delivering ice cream. His baby brother, Frankie, was often perched on top of the cart while he made his rounds. From there he graduated to delivering coal and groceries, as well as delivering produce to local farmers for their livestock. It was during one of these deliveries that Bob was knocked off the back of a traveling delivery truck and left seriously injured. After many months in the hospital and with a prognosis of likely never walking again, Bob defied the odds and made a complete recovery. He was soon back to working numerous jobs and began his lifelong career in the corrugated packing industry at the mere age of 16. Bob began working at the factory level and soon was promoted to supervisor. In 1949, he met his little Lithuanian, blue-eyed sweetheart, Lillian Reseff. They were soon tearing up the dance floors across Chicago, and after 3 ½ years of dating, they were married on April 11th, 1953. Their darling Linda Ann was born in 1954 with their first son, Robert Michael, following in 1957. In 1962, they made the move across the country to Southern California settling in Reseda, California where their youngest son, James Martin, was born. Bob began working for Allied Corrugated where he held the title of Senior Vice President of Sales and finished his career with Crockett Container. He retired in 1998 after 55 years of service. In 1989 he and Lillian moved to Moorpark, California where he spent his retirement years enjoying his many grandchildren. His love of dancing never left him and his lifelong legacy of hard work was not limited to the office. Bob's fondness for tinkering kept him occupied with numerous fix-it projects going at all times. And his passion and mechanical acuity for cars has been passed on to his sons as well as many of his grandchildren. His love for his grandchildren was nearly matched by his love for his dear "Italian" Chihuahua, Rosie. Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Lillian, his children, Linda, Bob and Jim, their spouses, Mark, Kathy and Coreen, his 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Donations in Robert's name can be made to Buena Vista Hospice of Ventura.