Nolan Funeral Home, Inc.
Richard Gray Costello
1938 - 2009
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David Reinhartsen posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Dick was my office partner at University of Wisconsin. He was one of those truly unique individuals that you never forget. Sadly, I found him too late via the Internet. I have written several pages about him in my own memoirs. Bitten by a dead bat, arrested for going through people's trash, White Water Kayaking Champion of the State of Wisconsin, and sponsor of the Spring Equinox Parties, I'll bet he was an amazing Professor.
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David A. Schmidt posted a condolence
Friday, April 20, 2018
The fact that I am remembering Prof. Costello 30 years after my last meeting with him is a testament to how special he was as a teacher. He could teach, inform and entertain all at the same time. I am fairly certain he is the only engineering professor who administered electric shocks to himself to practice kicking the cord out of the wall. A great educator and man, he is still missed.
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Trini posted a condolence
Saturday, August 3, 2013
In a few days Cary and Nina will be here, and the whole family - all 11 of us now - will get together. I wish you could see them! The kids are growing up so fast. You'd be so proud of them!
As for me - I'm growing old, and I miss you like crazy. Wish you were here.
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Jeffrey Jonas posted a condolence
Thursday, September 10, 2009
I wish there were a recording of all the memories we shared at the service, particularly to show the common threads of what we remember and learned from RGC as students (or neighbors, friends, ...). I have my degree from Cooper thanks to his support. I honor and cherish the many times he showed the practical side of things, such as the bicycle-pedal mechanism for an electric knife. I still adore dumpster diving to retrieve things to take apart and learn what's inside and how it works.
I attended Cooper at a magic time, with RGC, Paul Hess (math), Don Kunz (calligraphy), Yusuf Ziya Efe (EE), all gone now. It's hard to imagine anyone filling their shoes.
I still have some of my Cooper control theory lab reports where I put in super-duper effort with color ink diagrams on vellum for the formula, circuit and block diagrams. It was a pleasure to work so hard to please Professor Costello. Now those analog computers we used are in museums! Matlab and Labview may be wonderful simulators, but there's nothing like touching REAL hardware. Like Steve Ciarcia says: his favorite programming language is SOLDER! Keep it real.
fondly, Jeffrey Jonas
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Marion Sole aka Mara posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I never met a man like Dick, he was just amazing, his love for his wife, children and live. We shared some fun times together on the boat with my husband Pete and all the kids. Dick always was funny and yet challenged you every minute. I am sure his family and friends will miss him greatly. The good ones always go young. It was good to know you Dick and share some of your life.
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Aaron Hager posted a condolence
Friday, June 12, 2009
Prof Costello was one of the best professors I had at Cooper Union. He seemed to know about everything and always made things interesting. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and students.
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Olli Seppala posted a condolence
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Dick Costello was one of my most memorable teachers at Cooper. His liveness, presence in the moment, and absolute interest in what he was doing was incredible. He had an uncanny knack of bringing engineering to life, bringing home the lessons (sometimes the very longest route) in the most memorable ways. The many lessons I learned from him are put to good use every time I teach.
Olli Seppala, Finland
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john doria posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Prof. Costello was my thesis advisor in 1982. He showed genuine interest in my project and was always available to give me advice on all engineering and academic matters. I loved the gold stars he used to give to his students. He was a great motivational teacher and a kind man. I will miss him and his somewhat bizarre sense of humor.
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Michael J. Graziano, Ph. D. posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
At the time ( 1980 - 1981 ) when everyone was studying microprocessors and forming their allegiances with Professor Efe, I was cultivating my interest in controls and enjoying my studies with Professor Costello. I enjoyed some of his show-and-tell moments the most. Who doesn't love an exploding capacitor? That's when I learned the most.
Dear Costello Family,
My deepest condolences on your loss.
Michael J. Graziano, Ph. D.
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Robert Piankian posted a condolence
Monday, June 8, 2009
"Dick' Costello was one of my finest professors at the Cooper Union during my time there, 1966-1970. Although that was a lifetime ago, I still remember him fondly as an inspirational and nurturing teacher, and more importantly, as a very warm and decent human being.
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Robert Stark posted a condolence
Monday, June 8, 2009
I am a graduate from Cooper Union's Mechanical Engineering Department, 1980.
Although I never had Prof. Costello I remember him very well and loved seeing how amazing all those EE senior design projects were. I now work at Columbia University and wish that we could produce as fine projects as Prof. Costello did. He was a very generous person who always tried to help students with their various problems. I will miss him and I give his entire family my sincerest condolances.
Best,
Bob Stark
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Peter D. Quilty posted a condolence
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Professor Costello had a tremendous impact on myself and, I'm sure, all his other students. No doubt he will be missed by all that knew him. I don't think I will ever forget his stories of how he used to shoot TV's with his 30-30 Winchester.
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Alan Schneiderman posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2009
When I think of my years at Cooper Union, the first image which comes into my mind is that of Prof. Costello in one of his animated classroom discussions. Because of the intimate nature of The Cooper Union, Prof. Costello was our instructor for many courses, the exact number of which escapes me. By the time it was all done, he had become a larger-than-life figure for me and my classmates. He had a magical ability to motivate students to give their maximum effort like no one else I have known. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and former students.
Alan Schneiderman
Cooper Union, EE '77
Newton, MA
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sera liebowitz posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2009
I will miss the sound of your truck horn when you pull in my driveway, the wonderful flyers you put together so quickly and offer to drop off, taking the minutes the many times I couldn't, leaving messages when I'm sick to see if I'm okay, knowing every time why something is not working, your e-mails the list goes on. Most of of all, I will miss you.
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Ian Kremenic posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2009
I had the pleasure of having Prof Costello (whom I affectionately called "Tricky Dicky", though was never courageous enough to do so to his face) as a teacher and mentor at Cooper Union from 1990 until 1994. He got away from the pure math and physics and taught us some real, hands-on, how-stuff-works engineering (and some other stuff: in control systems we learned how to avoid electrocution, how tons of stuff, usually taken from a garbage pile, works, how to properly open a bottle of champagne, and, oh yes, something about control systems). His enthusiasm, curiosity, classes at McSorley's, and constant encouragement to let our freak flags fly will be missed (but were taken to heart). Teaching as an adjunct at Cooper now, I wish that I'd had the chance to have him as a colleague as well.
Cheers, Prof Costello. We'll knock back a round of darks for you, and see if we can get somebody to actually drink that mug of mustard.
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Paul Ferguson posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2009
From the moment we met, Dick and Trini they accepted me as a colleague and friend and I loved every moment we spent together and of the wit and wisdom they so willingly shared. Dick was both a good teacher and playmate and one of the very few people I know who may have a larger assortment of bb guns and throwing axes than I do.
I often tell the story of our families’ having dinner at Lisa’s house where Dick and I were off in the corner discussing everything known to man and god and some things known only to the two of us, when the random topic of pocket knives came up. Dick boasted that he had the best pocket knife in the world. I told him “Nonsense, I have the best pocket knife in the world.” We kept arguing like two little kids discussing whether Superman or Flash was faster, neither willing to give ground, as we simultaneously reached for our pockets and pulled out the same beaten up K-55 pocket knife his a few years older with a bit less age. End of argument.
I'm proud of the rare earth magnet Dick gave me so that my little channel lock now attaches to my K-55. And I smile every time one of my 5 kids takes out their K-55 which, thanks to Dick, has their name, date the got it (10th birthday), and the cost.
My kids loved going to the family compound where they could be kids, had their skills and curiosity challenged, go to canoe in a salt marsh, play with muskrats, shoot BB guns, (be present when one of Dick's ricochets hit Trini in the butt) see an impressive display of Lionel trains older than ours, my daughter still can't understand why she can't have the eggnog.
Dick's legacy has been going on long before he left. I'm glad for the brief time I got to know him and I smile and think of him any time one of the kids in my scout troop asks me if they can get a K-55 when they turn 10.
Thanks Dick.
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Tony Geraci posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Fort Salonga will miss our Dear friend Dick Costello. He was always there when help was needed. The Fort Salonga Association will not be the same without him. He was a wonderful guy and will always be remembered.
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Dennis Joseph Noguera (cousin) posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2009
I have had the privilege of growing up and having Dick around since I was a little boy. Dick was very much a father figure for me and my brothers. As my older cousin he was there to hold my hand when I needed it. As I grew older he was there to give me some of my first tools and pocket knife, and to show me how to use them.
Dick was always teaching, it could be crazy and as fun as spitting a watermelon seed as far as you could or shooting a can or old frying pan with a gun.
And then there was the memorable time he showed me how to shoot a pistol. I was but a boy, a young impressionable boy. Dick took me down into the basement, explained all the safety issues first. He showed how to point and aim, concentrate and slowly squeeze and shoot at the target. We were shooting at pictures. Then, with a bit of mischievous humor in his voice asked, “hey kid, did you ever shoot a washing machine before?” Of course I said no. He then went on to point out two very particular spots on Trini’s washing machine. He said “aim here” and “hit it here, and you will have your first washing machine notch in your gun handle.” Yes, the machine still worked, and yes, Trini was a little horrified that we did target practice on her machine.
As I became a man he was there to show support and give the humor that only Dick could give. If you try hard you can do it, just concentrate and always do your best, it can be done and done with fun. Thank God for Dick and his humor and influence, it helped me throughout the years.
As I think of Dick he was always a combination of Zorro and Johnny Appleseed. Signing his name on items he designed and made or fixed. His signature was there to show there is a way to fix anything and spread humor and knowledge as he did it, the seed of knowledge.
There was a message in every article he touched. It was like this: if there was something to be designed it could be designed best, if there was something to be built it can be built best. Use the right tool, the right hardware, the right approach and it can be done. If there was a thing to be fixed it could be fixed right and maybe forever if we only put our minds to it and did it the right way. There was a life lesson in everything he touched.
If you look closely somewhere on my body etched deep in my skin in invisible ink you can see that it says “Made in the USA”, partially designed and influenced by Richard Gray Costello. Thank you for the privilege of your company, my friend, my mentor, my cousin. Your life lessons will live on through all you have touched. Thank you.
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Barry Bruun EE '84 posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Professor Costello was a great motivator and a very supportive teacher. He inspired me and another student to enter a robotics competition at a time when such things were unique and cutting edge. His devotion to teaching and his love of engineering inspired all who came in contact with him. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family and close friends.
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Barbara & Paul Mandelik posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Dick was a joy to be with. A great character and so full of life. Dick was a very special person. He was always willing to jump in and help with anything. No one could relate to people the way Dick did. He touched so many people who will fondly remember him. We will miss his uniqueness, intellect and joy.
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Phil Anzel posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
I've fond memories of Dr. Costello at Cooper Union. He was a breath of fresh air: very much alive, very much enjoyed teaching and his subject matter. He'll be missed. - Phil, Cooper Union EE'71.
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Ray Calvo posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Need to use an anvil, Dick had one, needed to tow a car Dick would help, couldn't figure out how to use the alternator from a '87 Grand Cherokee to replace the generator in your '59 Plymouth Belvedere Dick could hook you up.
Last spring. Dick helped me rewire the motor for my table saw. Afterwards I helped him install wall to wall carpet on a path through the swamp behind his house. 400 yards of used pink short pile rug snaking its way through a swamp to keep the weeds down. Very Dick.
Dumbest thing we ever did was the time we marched up to the roof of the projects behind his old house in Queens Village the night before his first daughters wedding. "Someone threw an empty 40 oz bottle at you Dick?" "Yes I was on the ladder installing a 7 inch stainless steel eye bolt on the side of the house and the bottle came flying down. Could have killed me." (the eye bolt was to string up a 75 foot tarp to keep the yard dry during the wedding. The forecast was for rain) "Dick, where did you get a 7 inch stainless steel eye bolt this time of night?" "A box in the basement." he answered "I always knew I would need it some day." I have no idea what we were going to do if the bottle throwers had been on the roof.
Last time I was in his workshop Dick showed me a box of siliconized bronze bolts. "Ray do me a favor" he asked. " If Trini goes to sell these for pennies on the dollar don't let her do it. I don't care if you throw them in the ocean just don't let her do it!"
I knew Dick for 20 years, not long enough. He and Trini took me camping, welcomed me into their house during holidays and just last month when my father was gong into the hospital for knee replacement surgery Dick and Trini gave me words of encouragement. Trini if I have to I will throw those siliconized bolts into the ocean and I think you will understand.
You are a good man Dick and my life is poorer by your absence.
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Mark Ringel posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
How will I remeber Dick? An eager teacher and an equally eager student; Santa Claus in a plastic suit; an incredibly generous host; a devoted husband, son, son-in-law, father and grandfather; an unapologetic pervert; a destroyer of TV sets; a man who believed vehemently in the enjoyment of life; the prototypical do-it-yourselfer(a role model to McGuyver); a true individual; the man who walked around at my wedding with a pair of pliers attached to his belt (You never know when those might come in handy!). I imagine that he's hanging around in some angelic afterlife somewhere looking down at us and wondering what all the fuss is about. Dick was a good man and a good friend. He will be missed.
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Paul Nachowitz posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Professor Costello welcomed me, a wayward physics major, into his analog/digital logic course. I thoroughly enjoyed it due to his good nature and wonderful teaching skills. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Paul Nachowitz Phy70
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Bridget posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Another student (from 90's) who'd like to thank Prof. Costello for being a great teacher.
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Suzanne Oommen posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
I took it for granted that I would always see my dad-in-law striding purposefully to greet us when we drove up - immediately launching into an account of what he had just fixed or discovered - almost as though he was continuing a conversation that had never really ended from the week or day before. I took it for granted that I would always hear him greet my kids - his grandkids - with a joyful "HELLLOOOOOW, HELLOOOOOW cutie pies!". I took it for granted that I would always see him rocking in his favorite chair (which we were not allowed to sit in if he was around)discussing/debating the finer points of the latest current event or scientific discovery or consumer report. I took it for granted that following dinner, he would play his old music (which included russian marching band music...) way too loud which had us all having to shout over it to hear ourselves, with my mum-in-law hollering "DICK, TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN" to which he would mumble "but I like my music loud" and proceed to turn it down ever so slightly. I took it for granted that whenever anything fell apart or we needed to know how to do something, he was always the first person we called and if the problem was too difficult to diagnose on the phone, who would we see driving up in his truck to save the day? Guess. I took it for granted that he could make me feel like a million bucks with a simple "you're a good kid" or "how do you do it all - you're a superwoman" (how laughable coming from the man who really was the true-life superman). Wish I hadn't taken it all for granted.
I miss you already Paw-Paw, we all do. Love, Suz
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Dick's son, Bill posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
This remembrance blog has truly become a great tribute to my father. Once again he has done something to set forth the wheels of motion than only he could instigate. Bravo, Dad.
I am still in a daze right now, and I have become quite used to viewing my blurry screen through teary eyes. I thought there were 5 stages to this but today I counted at least eight. Denial must be winning because I just can't believe my dad is gone. I know my father was very proud of his family, but I sure hope he knew how proud we all were of him.
The dozens of posts above have woven a beautiful tapestry of what is my father. You have all written such nice things about him that you have renewed my faith in humanity. I can only string a few thoughts together right now, and I am saving those thoughts for a speech at the memorial service tomorrow.
Instead I will share one of my father's favorite poems– the only one that I ever spent the time to memorize along with him:
Shake and shake the ketchup bottle.
None will come and then a lot'll.
-Ogden Nash
He would recite that often at the dinner table. Usually right before we were having hamburgers.
It is brilliant, because only now do I realize the real, deeper meaning.
Good bye, Dad.
your son,
Bill
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Shawn Oommen posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
We feel fortunate to have had an opportunity to know him. His remarkable zest for life was infectious and energizing to everyone around him. We remember being amazed when given a grand tour of his workshop, never having seen so many metal gadgets in one place. We could barely keep up with him. His genuine interest in everything and everyone and his ability to find a common interest with each individual was truly remarkable. We will remember him with a smile. Our deepest condolences,
Shawn, Jetty, Sara, Anjali and Shyla Oommen
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Paul Orselli posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
To me, the axiom that best sums up my father-in-law Dick Costello is “nothing succeeds like excess.”
My first memory of meeting Dick (even before I married Lisa) was getting the tour of his home in Queens and thinking, “does ANYONE need all this stuff?” (Why just have a spare TV remote when you can have 10? Why have one computer when you can have three, each with three backup hard drives?)
But beyond his “pack rat” tendencies, Dick also had an excess of interest in the world around him and every person that he met. He was a fount of arcane knowledge, and an expert engineer and tinkerer who delighted in taking apart and repairing things, even “garbage” other people had discarded. His naturally gregarious personality allowed Dick to start in-depth conversations with complete strangers (even if they were 10 feet up a utility pole trying to repair a telephone line!)
And it was Dick’s interest in others that will remain his legacy --- as he leaves behind a legion of friends, relatives, students, and even people he interacted with just once, who will always remember him.
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Stuart Ng posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
My condolences to the family! I remember Dick Costello fondly. As a teacher, he was always willing to get his hands dirty as well as offer advice and war stories. A Dick Costello memorable moment for me would be when he powered off the computer center during the end of term to see what that circuit breaker controlled.
My best wishes to the family.
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Lisa Costello, the middle child posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thank you to everyone who posted some of his or her memories of my father to this log. It is both meaningful and comforting to me.
Dad was a boy scout at heart. If someone needed help he was the man for the job – especially if the help involved fixing something. Cars, toasters, computers, toys. The man could fix anything – and he always had the right tool for the job. Once we took him to the Henry Ford Museum outside Detroit, and he fixed the cash register on the way in! With the tools he carried daily in his pockets! I remember standing in front of my car with the hood open and Dad long distance on the portable phone, talking me through a diagnosis and repair. Of course I had the tools for the job – I’d been getting them for birthdays and Xmas since birth, and had acquired an impressive dowry. Each tool was engraved with my name, the date and the purchase price – which is why I can accurately tell you that I got my favorite hammer in 1975 and it cost $3.50.
Aren’t boy scouts supposed to be prepared for anything? Dad certainly took that to heart. Besides tools, his car was always fortified with a water bottle, some candy, a dictionary, an almanac and a roll of TP. He always carried a pencil stub and a few scraps of paper for notes. In case of blackout there is a flashlight in every room of the house. When there were thunderstorms the day of my sister’s wedding (which took place in his Queens backyard) he prepared for the wet by stringing up a bunch of gigantic blue tarps.
Did you know he liked to blow things up? The story goes that his college (or was is High School?) nickname was BBB – short for Bigger and Better Bombs. July 4th was a treat, because we always had plenty of fireworks. I remember going to Chinatown with him when I was a teenager and being mortified by all the illegal transactions with shady characters, all to procure the annual fireworks show. Everyone in the immediate family has shot at least one TV (Fun!) My eldest son got a lot of status points in Middle School when he told the story of shooting a TV in science class. But my poor other kids! No grandpa to pick a TV out of the trash with and blow it away. Now I’m blue.
Dad was strongly committed to improving his community. The Whitehall terrace Block association, the Fort Salonga Association. He was a man who picked up litter and disposed of it properly every day. After a deathly accident on 25A and Sunken Meadow Road he successfully lobbied all the right characters to get a traffic light installed. And for the past several years he organized an Easter egg hunt for local children.
Dad never avoided hard work; in fact he enjoyed manual labor, and doing things himself. No lawn service for him. Grandpa Piazza’s house needed expanding? Build an addition. Need more storage? Build a barn! Oil crisis? Heat the house with a wood stove, burning wood he chopped himself.
I miss him already. Who will scrape my old Empire Passport off the car window and affix the new one? Who will change the batteries in my kids’ many toys? Who will fix up the bike he picked out of the trash for Caroline? Whose brain can I pick when we have plumbing issues? I miss you, Daddy.
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John Homer posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
As a newcomer to Bill's circle 10+ years ago I was struck by how welcoming/accepting Dick and Trini were as we would all descend on the house on various summer days, enjoying the pool and the hospitality of the house.
The warmth offered by the parents to a newcomer was equally and as freely given by their children...and while I didn’t know Dick very well, I think that's about as good a testament as one can offer.
My sincere condolences...
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Lisa Schurberg Englard posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Professor Costello was my favorite teacher during my years at Cooper Union (1977-1982). I still have some of the projects I worked on in his classes, with the sought-after gold stars. He was always available to his students and always listened. Mostly, he helped me to feel accomplished and believe I could succeed. I ultimately became a teacher as well, and hope to inspire my own students the way Professor Costello inspired me.
My sincere condolences to the entire Costello family. I hope you are comforted knowing of the tremendous impact of Richard Costello on so many young lives.
M
Marc L. Rose posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
I attended Cooper Union (ME '79) and although I never attended any of Prof. Costello's classes, I got to know him somewhat through my friendship with Steve Baker. His enthusiasm was infectious and unbounded. A particular memory that stands out was a fundraising auction more than 30 yrs. ago where he either bought or sold (I don't remember) and section of one of the original I-beams of the Foundation Bldg. I can still see the excitement in his face. May his memory be forever a blessing.
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Ramon Noguera posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
My Cousin Dick
It’s hard to believe that my cousin is gone. He was like my Mom and my Uncle Joe were, always larger than life to me. He ‘s the smartest man I ever met. I will always remember…. from the time I was maybe 6 or 7 when Trini and Dick would take my brothers and I to Coney Island. To me it was the event of the year. Trini and Dick were the coolest! I remember vividly jumping into the “back to the Future” equipped white Ford and the ride to Coney Island’s amusement park. As I recall the first of the many things I learned form Dick was how to properly scream in a horror house. It was important to really go for it -scream your guts out even if it wasn’t scary. It was important because it would heighten the sense fear for the next car of riders. I used the skill at the many screaming contests that took place later at the house upstate. I taught this technique to my son and my wife later in life. I remember the annual ride on the black BMW motorcycle including the laps around the bicycle track in Kissena Park. (Yes, I also remember later in my teen years carrying him up the stairs of his house after he crashed on the Clearview expressway). Dick was always a free spirit. He would get up and leave the Sunday dinner table without warning. Sometimes to simply lie on the floor but sometimes he would disappear for hours on a “walk about” to a museum or to ride the bike. I still have memory of him taking me to the Cloisters for the first time and explaining how the contents were brought from Europe and how it was built. It was from Dick that I learned to file the edges of a piece of cut wood even when building a house. Why? Because everything in life is in the detail.
Dick taught me:
How to scream
Throw a tomahawk
Throw a knife
The benefits of properly painting a refrigerator
That a saw only cuts one way
How to properly use a drill
How to pour cement
How to weld metal
Pour a concrete footing
How to build a house
How to lay a new roof
To Throw a Pluto platter –A Frisbee for those not in the know
To shoot a bb gun
To shoot a girl in the butt with a bb gun
To shoot a TV with a real gun
To shoot a house
To shoot a six-gun
How not to use a drill press
How to get to Ellenville hospital’s emergency room
How to properly use a drill press
To change the differential on a Ford station wagon
To properly pack bearings using a blob of grease in my palm
Measure twice or three times!
Say what you mean to say with engineer like precision.
It’s ok to stop everything, drive an hour out of the way to get raisin pumpernickel bread while it’s hot
Zaloom 5 star pistachios are the best.
Even though we saw each other less as the years went on there was always something to learn from Dick and Dick always had something to learn. You always had to explain every detail of what you were doing and why. I wonder if it was because he didn’t know or whether he was looking to correct me. Now sitting here trying to summarize this man’s life of influence on me I can’t help but wonder what the real mark is that Dick has left on this world. What was the end result of teaching seemingly silly details about the workings of some irrelevant tool or valve or “doo dad” to some young engineer? Where would the world be without the things his students created using “Dick details”???
So here I am, in front of my Mac flipping open and closed the K55 knife that Dick engraved before giving to me Xmas 1968 with a million memories dancing in my head. Thinking. how long would it have taken Dick to mark all the concepts and ideas that he imparted to, developed or passed on to us all with the stamp. Taught by or influenced by Richard Gray Costello19_ _? I bet he could write a formula for figuring it out.
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Jules Lipow posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Dick was my thesis advisor at
Cooper Union. He was my friend and advisor all my adult life.
I miss him and mourn his untimely passing.
j
john keane posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Sorry to learn of Dick's death. He was one year behind me, but I knew him from ODP.
Please accept my condolences.
M
Mariyamma Oommen posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
I had the privilege of knowing Richard Costello for the past 7 years. The first time we met him and his family was at my house in Canada - when he was about to be the father-in-law of my daughter. From the very beginning, we were impressed by his warm, cheerful, enthusiastic manner and I was pleased - feeling that my daughter was going to be in good hands. I have since been to the Costello family home many times and Richard, Trini (also Lisa) happened to be the most wonderful hosts I have ever known. Every time I arrived, he came out of the house to help me out of the car and brought me inside. He was always kind and gentle and greeted me with a warm smile, a hug, and of course, a joke and laughter. Trini used to take me around the house explaining "Dick made this", "Dick fixed that", "Dick is going to change this..". I used to marvel at his vast collection of tools, gadgets and machines - everything placed in neat order and with labels. He was definitely an amazing person with a lot of good qualities. He left us too soon. I am sad at the fact that the little grandchildren, especially Karina, Caroline and Kailyn will never get a chance to grow up knowing him. He certainly will be missed by all of us but our fond memory of him will remain. Trini, Bill, Lisa and Carrie, my heart is with you. I will pray for you to find peace and comfort.
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Andrew M. Wong, CU-BME'87 posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
On the commemorative occasion at the passing of Prof. Richard G. Costello, I and my Cooper Union ME Alumni, faculty, family and friends wish to express our sincere condolences to Ms. Trina Costello, her family and friends. We also wish for them a renewed happiness and sense of purpose in their years ahead. Although I have only recently connected with Prof. Costello for a short time, I am honored and humbled that he took the time and effort to befriend me.
May his spirit be at peace.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
-XO
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Fai Wong posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
I was one of Professor Costello's students at Cooper during the mid-eighties. He was one of the best mentor's I've ever had; even to this day. His teachings, philosophies on the material, and outlook on life has helped guide me through my 20+ year career; I've thought about him throughout the years and he will surely be missed. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Sincerely,
Fai Wong
J
Jeannie & Fran posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Dearest Trini and Family,
Our friend Dick was an exceptional personality who will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
With Love,
Jeannie and Fran
d
dan guest posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Dr. Costello was one of my favorite professors at Cooper Union. He gave me a glimpse at the fun, enjoyable side of engineering. I respected his ability and his interaction with us as students.
My condolences to his family.
f
frank and marie konop posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Dick will be missed by all who have come to know him, of which there is a wide spectrum of neighbors, family and countless individuals who have been touched by his friendliness, humor and expert advice on any and all subjects. His contributions to the FSA over the years have helped keep our ship afloat and his memory will live in the hearts of all who have been blessed by his friendship. The tirle "mayor off the boardwalk" was well deserved and the many who passed and chatted with daily there will miss that interaction and may only find out belatedly of their lost comrade.
Trini, if OK with you I would like to include a memory page in the next FSA newslttr and elicit input from the directors to share some of their fondest memories of this truly unique individual.
K
Kathy Swartz (Klein), BSEE '80 Cooper Union posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Professor Costello was always larger than life and will stay that way in our memories. The class at McSorley's was so great - even as he pointed out that not so long ago I wouldn't have been allowed in :-) And his gold stars - I loved that system! I still have the certificate he gave me for "mathematical obfuscation" - I had no clue what it meant then but of course he enlightened me in that as many other things. He had so much fun doing what he did that it was a joy to learn from him. I'm so sorry he left his family too soon.
J
Joe & Ginny Schechter posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2009
Dick did a great job of improving the atmosphere of our EE classes at Cooperx, which were honestly a bit on the dull side. Even 50 years later I remember some of his remarks (but won't repeat them in public).
Please accept our sincerest
condolences.
Ginny and Joe Schechter
S
Stella Grey posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
My first contact with Dick was on the phone. This was 'way back when Trini was the reigning queen of NYC belly dance costuming and I was on a sort of work/study scholarship at Serena Studios which meant couple of nights a week I was in charge of collecting money and answering the phone. I remember that every night the phone would ring and this guy would come on insisting that he had to talk to "the most beautiful belly dancer in the world." At first, in my ignorance, I tried hanging up on this nut, figuring him for just another masher. But no, it was Dick checking in with his beloved. And that he absolutely meant it about "the most beautiful belly dancer in the world."
A
Avery Lozada posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Lisa, Trini, Carrie & Billy --
I'm thinking about your family
and hoping that you all find strength and comfort from each other,
Avery
D
David Fu posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Our condolences to your family. Professor Costello was my favorite professor at Cooper Union (92-96), when he taught us junior EE class during the last school year before his retirement. I remember his unique and effective teaching methods, sense of humor. He has bestowed on us his words of wisdom throughout the year.
M
Mark Redlefsen posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I grew up in Queens Village knowing Billy through Paul Moscarella, PS135, and many Whitehall Terrace hangouts. Mr. Costello just seemd like one of the smartest guys I ever met in my life. I rememeber Billy showing me his resume one day when I was younger and I was blown away. He seemed like such a bundle of knowledge and activity. I rememeber what would have been a bad lonely Christmas for me back in 1991 turned inside out into an amazing day by the warmth extended by the Costello family that day. From that day, I could see that Dick's EQ was just as high as his IQ, if not higher. Rest in Peace.
B
Brian Silverstein posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Dear Trini and Family
I was a student of Dr. Costello. He was an inspirational teacher who encouraged students to do their best. An he made sure we also had fun. Especially in the lab.
My heartfelt wishes.
Brian Silverstein
EE73
J
Jon Umhey BS'77 MS'80 posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
UPDATE: My wife informs me I graduated the Masters Program in 1980 (not '81)... Trini informs me that the flag at Cooper Union flies at half mast... and thank you Jonathan Liss: I am still in possession of my one (and only) GOLD STAR ever received from RGC !!
J
Jonathan Liss posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I was one of Professor Costello's students. In '72 he taught one of my freshman classes and he also taught a senior class. I forever remember his stories about carrying a channel lock pliers for protection. He had a zest for teaching, not lecturing, but teaching and nurturing - I am forever grateful. Professor Costello always challenged us and we responded by wanting to do extra. I remember together we instituted a gold star program whereby he would stick gold stars on lab reports and homework that was extraordinary. I'm now 54, lead a large team of software developers and raised two wonderful children. I have used many of the Professors life lessons with my team and kids, often quoting him and hopefully conducting myself as the Professor did (for me) so many years ago.
My prayers and thoughts are with you - Jonathan Liss
E
Eve R. Hershkowitz posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I remember Professor Dick Costello from Cooper Union, where he was young-at-heart enough, to seem more like a big brother, than a professor. He was also the faculty advisor for our little band in the Society of Women Engineers chapter. I'm truly saddened by his untimely passing, but will always remember him from his funny photo in my 1973 Yearbook!
T
Trini posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
This is just wonderful! You're all bringing back such great memories! I keep wanting to run inside and yell, "Dick, come to the computer! You've got to see this one!"
Living with Dick was a half-century adventure. He built more things, knew more things, felt strongly about more things, was interested in more things, and ACCUMULATED more things than anyone I've ever met. It was very hard to keep up with him, but we all kept trying. What a strong character! Once our daughter Carrie, who was just about the age of his students at that time, visited him at Cooper. She was introduced to one of the students and he exclaimed, in utter amazement, eyebrows raised, "You LIVE with him?!?!"
He's gone too soon. There were so many projects he had yet to finish. So many friends in all walks of life. Seven amazing grandchildren he was so proud of and whom wanted to watch grow up.
He'd be so happy to learn how much people loved him and what a great influence he was in so many lives. I'll have to tell him, the next time I see him. . .
V
Victor posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I have never known anyone like Dick and I’m sure I never will. He was master of all trades, jack of none. Unbeknownst to him, he was my “Call a Friend” choice if I were to ever get stuck on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”. Dick was a cornerstone of logic. His passion for efficiency and method of investigation is directly responsible for how I approach many of my problems in my life to this day – and specific lessons (big and small) have been with me for decades now. Stuck in a rainstorm in the middle of Maine at 3 am – a hammer to the starter got me back on my way. I can now yell twice as far with a simple cupping of my hands around my mouth (and of course, I can also hear twice as far by cupping them around my ears). I am also able to enjoy the finer things in life, like butter at room temperature! Not to make light, but this is just testament as to how even the smallest details of the man will stay with me forever. But above all that, it was his honest passion for knowledge, understanding, and life in general that made him such a lovable guy to me. Dr. Costello has left quite an impression and I’m a better man for it. I’m sorry I couldn’t have spent more time with him.
G
Gitana ( G. Garcia) posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
My memories of Dick Costello is a collage of snapshots and sound bytes. Smiling, laughing, wise-cracking, charismatic, brilliant, devoted... all this describes him and more. He was a strong man with the great good fortune to find Trini, a strong woman to be his life partner. Life shines less bright today since having lost one of its brightest lights. You are missed, Dick, more than you know. Peace.
M
Mark Balch posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Professor Costello is among the most vivacious and interesting people I have known. I enjoyed the interesting and unexpected stories he shared with his students. He stands out and will always be remembered.
J
Jon Umhey, BS'77, MS'81 posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Spryly he pranced through the halls in his vest with his "tool du jour" hanging from his hip. Control System Theory effortlessly spewed forth from his mouth on the 4th floor of Cooper Union. Bawdy limericks (which he knew by heart) effortlessly sang forth at a McSorleys choir practice on 7th Street. And on it went for 4 years. Off to California I go... only to return to CU 2 years later.
The same spry walk... new tools dangling from his hip ready to draw into battle at a moments notice... and now he is armed with a PhD under his belt... and I, a wife. Dr. Costello became my thesis advisor and friend during that inaugural year of the Masters program. Back to CA I go...
I have fond memories of Dick and Trini visiting us at our new home in CA many years later. He brought his inductive voltmeter (at my request) to track down the 220V line. We found it. A ping-pong game ensued where he entertained my then 12 year old daughter, Lisa, with his boyish charm.
Prance forth through the heavens Dick, it is now time to charm the angels with your joie de vivre. We all will miss you.
J
Jackie Leong, MD EE'80 posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
As a EE student of his I remembered him in a characteristic dress code with a vest and big wide smile up to his ears;always pleasant to deal with; even encourages improvement even when already done well. Great personality. I may have been only a brief part of his life, he was a large influence in mine.
Best wishes and prayers to all he has touched; both immediate and extended.
C
Constantine Yappijakis posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
As a non-EE collaborator of Dick Costello for many years while with the
Cooper faculty, I am greatly saddened by his untimely death... I hereby
wish to extend my and my family's heartfelt sympathies and condolences to
Trini Costello and Dick's family. His funny and sunny disposition and
his interests in many things - some of which we shared - will be greatly
missed.
Prof. Constantine Yapijakis
J
Jeff Lamicela posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I graduated from Cooper in 1978. Prof. Costello was one of an amazing roster of instructors. My favorite memory of him was when he was checking out final projects for Electronics Lab at the end of the semester. He went from bench to bench, receiving many litanies of why the ambitious project wasn't quite working. Then he heard the Bach piece that we'd programmed into our sequencer, using a chip that did a lot of the work for us, filtered through an electronic music setup that was part of a different project entirely. He immediately perked up, raised a finger into the air, and exclaimed "Aha! Something works!"
O
Orly Z posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Prof Costello was a great and spirited teacher. I remember making a mistake on a graph - and then did an odd correction. His only comment was that I was original and not constrained by society - I learnt not only about engineering, but also about myself from him. And always with a smile - that is the sign of a true great teacher.
Go in peace.
C
CGC, Ph.D., product of RGC, Ph.D posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I just wanted to thank everyone who is posting here, on behalf of my family. We all appreciate seeing the evidence that my father was a bit larger than life, even in death. It makes us laugh through tears, which is the best way to remember him.
P
Prof. Bob Hopkins posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Dick was always an engaging and energized educator. We all learned much from him. Especially how to celebrate life. Knowing him was a blessing.
S
Shlomo Engelberg posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I was a student of Professor Costello in the late eighties. He was my master's thesis advisor. We remained in contact through the years.
I currently work as a professor of EE, and without Professor Costello I would not be where I am. I will always remember him, and I try to pass along the advice that he gave us.
Shlomo
J
Jeff Shi posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
May Professor Costello rest in Peace. Your lessons of lives will be shared and spread by many of your students from Cooper Union.
A
Allan Shedlo posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I had the privilege of learning from Professor Costello for several Electrical Engineering courses from 1986-87. He was also my master's thesis advisor in 1988, and wrote glowing and undeserved recommendations in order to help me secure employment.
My fondest memories are of Richard holding court in the EE lab, in a large swivel chair on top of a lab table, providing life lessons to us graduating students. I will always remember the way he deviated from the course material to provide mini-lectures on various topics such as fluorescent lighting, New York city's infrastructure, or orbital mechanics. Students outside the room would always be craning their necks in the door to see what all the excitement was about.
Professor Richard Costello left a lifelong impression on me in terms of attitudes towards learning, being young at heart, and remaining curious about the world we live in. He was a great man and will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
L
Lynn & Tom Oommen posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
We were privileged to know such a witty, caring and intelligent man. His ingenuity and mechanical skills were so impressive . . . truly an engineer's engineer from the good old days when engineers were both hands-on tinkerers as well as scientists and technicians. A teacher and author to boot. He has undoubtedly been an inspiration for many generations of engineers.
We will cherish memories of his gentle manner and unprepossessing kindness.
With love and prayers,
Lynn & Tom
F
Frank Wortner posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I had the joy of having Professor Costello as my teacher in several electrial engineering courses at Cooper Union. I say "joy" because it was obvious he loved what he was doing. He was always enthusiastic, and always encouraged his students to share his enthusiasm for his work and his studies. I will never forget his annual McSorley's classes. I will also never forget how he decided to "help" me during a lab experiment with an analog computer. Within seconds, he redid some of my wiring and connected the power supply straight to ground. I submitted a lab report stating that my experiment was incomplete due to well intentioned but destructive assistance from my professor! I will also never forget his explanation of his "real" last name. "Just remember 'Cozy Cabbages!'" I remember more than cozy cabbages, and I am certain all his students have their own memories. He loved his calling, and we were blessed to be the recipients of that love.
The Cooper community has lost one of its legends.
J
Jim Carroll posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I recall Prof Costello as my E & M prof in the early 1970s. At the time I was a physics major but moved over to the new (and short-lived) math program when it began.
I also recall that he once described how he dealt with annoyance at either a particular TV program, or with the entire TV world:
He set up the TV in his backyard, had it powered on via an extension cord, and then shot it!
He had a fun streak in him. Aged 71 -- not old enough!
As I read all these posted memories, I see that he saw the entire world as worthy of his interest.
R
Rolf Graeber posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
As a student I benefitted from his passion to teach not just the curriculum but also the other things you need to learn. His "this is what the books says and this is how you really do it approach" will remain a fond memory.
M
Marie Wieck posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I was originally a chemical engineering student at Cooper until I had a semester with the combination of Prof.Costello for circuits and Prof. Hopkins for Programming and I switched my major to computer engineering. I credit them with the change and I'm thankful for the great career I've had since.
r
rich Fuerch, EE-73 posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I encountered three memorable professors during my time at Cooper Union from 1969 to 1973. Humanities professor Caldiero, Physical education professor Baker, and EE Professor Richard Costello. The heartfelt previous posts all ring true to the excellent teacher that Proffesor Costello was. He had a passion for learning, for teaching and for life that was truly infectious.
I took his control systems class and a new class that he had just introduced: Biomedical engineering. Professor Costello is a man who left a mark on my life, and quite apparently on many others as well.
S
Stan Lapidus posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Dick was my teacher for two years at Cooper Union from 1968-1970. He was a wonderful teacher, and a vigorous guy who loved adventure.
He left a lasting impression on me. I will truly miss him.
M
Mary Jane Viscomi posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Prof Costello was my favorite teacher at Cooper. He really made learning enjoyable and pushed us to go beyond the ordinary in our quest for those gold stars. He always had a spring in his step and a smile for everyone. I recently found and "friended" him on Facebook. Sure enough, he dug through his files and wrote back a brief summary of our Senior Project from 1988. I'm saddened to know that will be our last correspondence. I send my sincerest sympathy to his family - Prof Costello was truly a wonderful man.
P
Paul Greendyk posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Professor Costello stands out as THE most inspiring, motivating, and real professor of my college years. He was a friend and a teacher; an advisor to all. Truly a great man. My deepest sympathies to the entire family and beyond.
T
Tim Fosket posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Professor Costello was one of my favorite professors back in '77 when I started at Cooper. Best memories: 1)Special class he help every semester at McSorleys, on how ConEd meters worked, and how they could be manipulated (theoretically), 2)Coming into class with an electric motor he found that morning, and spending the entire class taking it apart and describing how it worked. I learned a lot from him. He inspired a whole lot of people.
D
Diana Epstein posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
My dear Mrs. Costello,
I wish to extend my sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Richard.
Diana Epstein
S
Simon Benavi posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Cooper Union's flags fly now at half mast to honor Richard. They will be raised again on Sunday.
F
Fred Fontaine posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Dick was an amazingly passionate and dedicated educator. My family extends its warmest sympathies to his family.
Fred Lazarovici Fontaine, EE'86
V
Vito posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Dear Trini and family:
I knew Richard from the Fall of 1979. When I first came to Cooper Union my
office was on the fourth floor of the Engineering Building across from
Richard's office. He was one of the first professors at Cooper to befriend
me and I never forgot that act of kindness. I would like to express my
deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Richard. He was
the exemplification of what Cooper Union stands for.
Vito A. Guido
Professor of Civil Engineering
S
Simon posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A wonderful colleague whose love of teaching and of his students was truly inspirational.
C
Chris Vallina posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I only met him once, and by reading all the memories that people had of him I can understand why he was so well liked and loved. My only memory of Dick was the day I stopped by his house to show his son Bill my new (for me that is) 1967' Porsche. I was experiencing electrical problems and Bill said that his dad was the man for the job. Bill was right, not only did my electrical problems get fixed I also received a broom stick (which I still have to this day) with the handwritten word "Porsche" on it so as to keep my hood from crashing down on his head while he fixed the problem. His enthusiasm was so infectious that I also left that day with a rekindled faith in mankind's generosity towards his fellow man.
J
Jonathan L Williams posted a condolence
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Sorry to hear the news about your dad. Your family and my family shared time and space during our childhood and as one big family, your loss is my loss. I have come to you as we lived on Whitehall Terrace and you are that friend that I have come to know as a part of my life. We, your family and my family are saddened by what has happened and I am very sorry for your loss. To my friends, Lisa and Carrie, you were like older sisters to me in my childhood and I am sorry for the loss of your father who no doubt was a part of your developing into the strong and beautiful women that I have come to know and remember. To Mrs. Costello, your husband was a man who you choose to be your husband and you shared the most wonderful gift that anyone could share with anyone, life. Your life and by that, the two of you had children that reflect qualities that reflected two people who love each other through love and commitment. No matter what this crazy world threw your way, I saw the two of you growing old together. To you Mrs. Costello, take comfort in the fact that even though our hearts are heavy with sadness, we have lost a good man but we, and especially you keep him in your heart. Smile at memory of his face, see his love in your children and share his life with others so they can come to know the wonderful man you chose share your wonderful gift with, life. To my friend, my home-boy, my dude, Bill I feel like you and I have spent some of the best years together. Swinging in your basement on your swing set, learning on the Apple computer and Commodore 64, and fixing up the hot-pink race car, just to name a few. But in a large way your father through those experiences has planted seeds of interest in things that made you and I be better in projects that we undertook. What father does anyone know that would put a swing in the basement for his children to enjoy? When I saw that, that alone at my young age I was impressed! I remember your father explaining to me what every part on the circuit board of a radio did. I did not understand a lot of it but for a man to take the time out and give a piece of his life to better mine, well …that is what impressed me. You have a real treasure in being the one who carries on his family name. Be proud of that name and don’t let him down by the way you carry that name. Your father was a strong, intelligent, and driven individual that expected the same from you. Be that way for yourself, your family and the whole world. Your father enriched your life by raising you by those same qualities that I perceived and also admired when I moved to Whitehall Terrace. To my friend, my home-boy, my dude, my Brother, I love you and my heart is with you and your family.
W
Warren Van Name posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
One of my fondest memories of Dick was the time he fabricated a hood latch for my Chevelle's fiberglass hood.
He took one look at the hood and made one in 30 minutes. I will never forget him with the grinder with sparks flying off his bear chest. Reminded me of one of those blacksmiths from the Conan movies.
Dick will live on in the memories of those he touched.
Warren
A
Anand Kelkar posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I was his student in the late 70's. One morning I caught him inside a large dumpster near NYU as I was walking to Cooper from the subway station. He glanced at me for just a second and kept on looking for something. I waited till he had finished rummaging since I knew I could not be late - his was my first class. He came out empty handed, and when I asked him what he was doing he replied that he was looking for a discarded heater valve as an example of Lyapunov's stability criteria at work in our daily lives. I have remembered Lyapunov's criteria since then. Thank you Professor for all the lessons well taught.
I offer my condolences to the Costello family.
L
Leonard Mastrototaro posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Richard G. Costello was one of my favorite professors at The Cooper Union. He brought amazing enthusiasm to the subjects that he taught and will be sorely missed.
My condolences to his family.
J
Julie Spampinato posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
"Mayor of the Boardwalk". We definitely knew when Dick was on the boardwalk, either by his red trimmed socks or by the way he greeted everyone by name. He was outgoing, funny, smart and knew the answers to everything and he was always looking to help. I remember being on the boardwalk one day when it started to rain. Dick suddenly appeared with 2 umbrellas because someone (George) told him I was walking and didn't have an umbrella. He had a zest for life; he made us laugh. He constantly talked about Trini and his family. Upon meeting a new walker, he would greet them, ask them their name and write the name on his hand and then enter it in a book he kept in the truck. I'm sure his truck was equipped to handle any emergency. He was unique, in a good way. He will be missed. It was my pleasure to know him.
R
R.Singer posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Richard lit up every room he entered. And did it so well and for so many, who needed that light, he will long be remembered for his brilliance, wit, charm and kindness. I will miss him.
J
Jeff Summerville posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I did not know Dick well, but my introduction to him a few years ago was memorable. Bill and I arrived at Dick and Trini’s home. As we were getting out of the car, Dick leaned his head out of the door and said “Billy don’t use the toilet I am working on the plumbing” (no greeting to me). Eventually he finished the plumbing and came out to introduce himself to me (I was hesitant to shake his hand). We spent the next few hours touring Dick’s hardware store / basement as I challenged him to produce certain hardware items – 1” hose clamp, air compressor, spark plug gapper, etc. He produced them all without hesitation (usually in several sizes). We finished the visit under the hood of my new car as Dick poured over the various components of the engine and gave me advise on how to maintain it.
I always hoped I would get another chance to challenge his hardware inventory as I had looked up some really obscure stuff on the internet. Sadly, that opportunity never came.
R
Rick Lehrer posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Professor Costello was my favorite teacher at Cooper. I will never forget his story about how he set up the starter of his car with wires and nails so that if there was not a quarter resting on the nails the engine could not be started.
My Condolences to his family. He was truly one of the great ones.
P
Paul Moscarella posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
He was Dick Costello to everyone who knew him but for a long time he was Dr. Costello to me. He was like a second dad to me and definitely taught me a lot. He could be tough and intimidating mostly because he was so brilliant. But I know he liked all of us very much and truly missed having us around once our personal lives got so busy. His eyes would light up whenever my friend Rich and I rode our motorcycles to his place. He loved sharing tales of his riding days with us.
Bill and I went out there a couple of months ago to test his new RC car. One of them blew a cotter pin and wouldn't you know that Dick was right in the thick of helping us fix it just as he always had been when Bill and I were like 7 & 8 years old. In fact, I think he never let go of the fact that we were always "his kids" and his fatherly instincts never, ever waivered. After that we just spent time in their house all talking. Me, Bill, Dick & Trini. No wives, no babies. Just talking about the future and issues the way we used to long ago when we were in our twenties and there were no wives or babies yet.
The guy was a legend. Quirky at times for sure, but loved his family, loved his families friends, and always made me feel welcome (especially because he loved putting me to work, ha ha). Dick and Trini even took my wife, Nadia in years ago for a few days during a terrible time in her life. Dick was kind and caring and took Nadia for his traditional long walks and just talked with her and helped her feel good about herself again. In fact it was his suggestion that I consider Nadia when I was at Bill's and Suzanne's wedding. Just walked up to me and in a fatherly way talked with me and said how wonderful she was.
All of us who knew him are better off for it. He was a mentor to me both directly and indirectly. As I grew older Dr. Costello became Dick Costello. He was my friend and I'll miss the guy a lot.
G
Gene Kwiecinski posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Simply put, one of the best. Always a font of arcane knowledge and trivia, such as why Japanese trains wear out their wheels on one side more than the other. :) Made me actually look forward to his classes. He'll surely be missed.
A
Andrea Newmark posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I worked with Dick at Cooper. He was always so upbeat and excited about science. What a shock and a real loss. My thoughts are with his family.
B
Birgit Rhoads posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Trini, I am so very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
God Bless.
P
Paul C. Rosen posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I have many happy memories dating back to high school when I met Bill. We would work on our cars at Dick's house knowing that he had every tool we would need and an additional 10 we didn't know we'd need. If we got in too deep, Dick would always be there to help.
I enjoyed camping with them on the Islands at Lake George. Dick always set the campsite up right - electricity and running water! Ok, maybe he made it into more of a spa compared to other campsites.
I write the dates on certain appliances around my house because of Dick. I was so proud when my hot water heater failed, and I had the date of purchase right on there to confidently know it was under waranty and got replaced free. I sent Dick a warm thought at that moment.
I cherish all I learned from Dick. My family and I will miss him tremendously.
B
Barry Drogin posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Dick was my thesis advisor at Cooper. He was an engineer's engineer who shared his love in class of all matters technical, whether they were part of the curriculum or not. He lived the ideal of true academic freedom. His anecdotes, behavior, and teachings have strongly effected my life and my career. My prayers are with his family at this time.
m
mimi posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
in memory of your smile and your friendship, my sincere sympathy to the family, you are already missed.
Z
Zvi Kornblum Koren posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I will always cherish Dick's intelligence, wisdom, and youthfulness, picturing him striding through the halls of Cooper with his youthful pace. He was, and will ALWAYS be, a Great Man.
With sad condolences to Trini and the rest of the family.
Zvi
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brenda brenner posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
To this sacred place I come, drawn by the eternal ties that bind my soul to the soul of my beloved. Death has separated us. You are no longer at my side to share the beauty of the passing moment. I cannot look to you to lighten my burdens, to lend me your strength, your wisdom, your faith. And yet what you mean to me does not wither or fade. For a time we touched hands and hearts, still your voice abides with me, still your tender glance remains a joy to me. For you are part of me forever. And so beyond the ache that tells how much I miss you, a deeper thought compels: We were together. I hold you still in mind, and give thanks for life and love. The happiness that was, the memories that do not fade, are a gift that cannot be lost. You continue to bless my days and years. I will always give thanks for you.
J
John M. Spinelli posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
It is with deepest sadness that I learned today of the death of Professor Costello. I was a student of his at The Cooper Union from 1979 to 1983 and took several classes with him. His love for teaching is part of what inspired me to build a career in academia, and his youthful joy in learning has helped to shape my personal teaching style. I will never forget his enthusiastic description of how to (theoretically) “borrow” electricity from Con Edison through the creative application of electro-magnetic fields in the vicinity of residential electric meters. His memory will live on for many years in a generation of students. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
John M. Spinelli
Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Union College
Schenectady, NY 12308
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Donna Noguera posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I will fondly remember you with every initial engraved item I find in the house
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Mary Anna McKenzie posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Dick was always a very entertaining and witty guy! I remember having some pretty spirited conversations with him. My thoughts are with you and your family. Love, Mary, Derrick, Andrea, James
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Babs posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
May you rest in peace ~ I am blessed to have somany wonderful and entertaining memories of a truly interesting, terrific person.
