John Howard Costello passed peacefully May 9th, 2021 at Advent Health in Altamonte Springs. He was born in Newark, New Jersey on January 25th, 1944 to Martin and Florence Costello. At age 4, John and his parents relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida where he officially grew up.
John graduated from Northeast High School in St. Petersburg in 1962. From there he joined the Air Force where he selflessly served for several years before being honorably discharged due to medical reasons. Through his work in the service, John was granted the GI Bill and attended the University of South Florida in Tampa. After graduating, John became a Certified Public Accountant and was hired by the prestigious Arthur Anderson Company. He worked there for several years before branching off and being a CPA in a multitude of other areas. John finished his career as Vice President of Operations at Ferarri of Central Florida in 2014. John married Susan Randolph in 2003.
John loved his hobbies. From go kart racing to billiard tournaments to golfing, John was always out and about. He loved working with his hands and masterfully built pool cues affectionately called JC Cues. His real passion was riding his motorcycles. He was an active member of SHOG (Seminole Harley Owners Group) where he and his wife frequently met friends to go for rides locally as well as pack up their bikes and meet up throughout the country.
John is predeceased by his parents: Martin and Florence Costello; his brother Martin Charles Costello; and his great niece, Kelly Di Leo.
Survived by his wife, Susan Costello; his sister, Nina Haupt; his nieces, Joyce Franciose, Denise Giordano, and Tami Christman; his nephew, Gary Costello; his stepson, Chris Ramey; his stepson and wife, Bryan and Allison Ramey; his two grandchildren, Brewer and Finley; and his sweet puppy, Moki.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be hosted by Sanlando Methodist Church (1890 W. SR 434 Longwood, Florida 32750) on May 13th from 6-8pm. Masks are required.
John will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida (6502 SW 102nd Ave Bushnell, Florida 33513). A Graveside service will be held on May 14th and will begin promptly at 10 am. Masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.
Dear Susan, So sorry for your loss, John was a wonderful man who completed you. Spend this time with family and friends and your precious memories to help you thru this sad time. John will be with you always🙏🙏🙏🙏
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing. I feel blessed that we got to spend some quality time together at the last reunion. Looking at those old pictures brought back so many fun memories. He was always so much fun and such a tease. It was aggravating at the time, but a cherished memory now.
Much love to you and your family, Trudy
John was a part of my pool players family. My sincere condolences to you, Susan, and the whole family. We’ve lost yet another. Get us a table brother, I’ll be joining you soon enough.
Dear Susan,
Brad and I are very sad to hear about John’s passing. You are being held in our hearts and prayers.
Take good care of yourself my friend 💞
Love,
Brad and Sandy Heaton
I had the pleasure to witness the devotion and charity John was known for he gave unselfishly to those around him.
You could not help to smile when you where in his presence. His smile, the twinkle in his eyes , there was such a fun and playful spirit about him all the while intend on taking care of others.
Just one month ago, after many years, John and I connected on face book. He is my cousin and growing up I only knew him as Johnny Howard.. Life is way too short. After reading his obituary, I realized just how much we had in common. Susan, we never met, but always keep John in your heart and thoughts. RIP John.
We were so saddened to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Susan and your family. John was a good man and will be missed by many. Hugs and prayers to you all as you go through this difficult time , Teri and Ted Dean
Susan I am so sorry for your lost. He was a great man
RIHP, John. 💞 You were a good friend to Mike and I and we enjoyed being around you and Susan! Loved the rides you put together too. You will be truly missed!
So sorry to hear John is gone. We grew up in the same neighborhood in the Lealman area and though I haven’t seen him since high school or maybe a reunion, I think of him fondly. Good guy.
So sorry to hear about John; always had a smile on his face.
Chris and Artie
Susan,
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. In fact, I am just shocked. John and I had such a wonderful, long conversation the afternoon of Friday, April 23. We talked about his latest challenges, and then discussed his many interests including his accounting career, his love of making pool cues, go cart racing, working on small engines, Ferraris, and his wonderful trips with you and your friends on your motorcycles. John said he was going to start walking to get his breath and energy back and wanted to get back on the bike. I encouraged him and said he could do it. What a great man. I will always remember him. GOD bless him and GOD bless you.
Susan,
I graduated from high school with John and kept in touch via Facebook. I did not know John was having any medical issues so I am sad to learn of his death. In reading his obituary, it is comforting to learn about the wonderful life you shared. Sending prayers.
Susan, I’m so sorry to learn about John’s passing.
May God bless you and strengthen you today and always.
Barbara Martin
Dear Susan and Family
I’m very sorry to learn of John’s passing! I didn’t know him but learning what a great man he was while reading through these messages.
My Gods love help you through this difficult time❤️
Love
Petey and family