It is with profound sadness that we share news of the death of LCol (ret'd) Joseph Patrick Costello, CD, who died peacefully August 26, 2022 in his home and surrounded by loving family after a brave battle with nodular melanoma cancer. He was 52 years young.
Joe is survived by his loving and caring wife, Margaret Deneumoustier of Ottawa, Ontario, his loving daughters, SLt Katherine (Lucas), Cleo, Jamie, and Lily, by his mother, Martha Costello (nee Patterson) and by his siblings, Capt(N) (ret’d) Brian Andrew (Maureen) and Lt(N) Sean Michael (Pam). Predeceased by his father, LCol (ret’d) Brian Denis Costello (2015).
Enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a reservist with 763 (Ottawa) Communication Regiment and following a brief (and unenjoyable) stint in the Royal Canadian Navy, Joe transferred to the Canadian Army. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Computer Engineering with first class distinction (1992) and a Master of Computer Engineering (2000).
He enjoyed a diverse career filled with both field and staff positions, including deployments to Croatia (1998), Bosnia-Herzegovina (2003-2004) and Afghanistan (2010). He spent time in Petawawa, ON, Trenton, ON, Kingston, ON, and Alert, NU, before concluding his distinguished military career in Ottawa, ON. After retiring from the CAF in 2012, he worked for the Department of National Defense supporting Canadian Army communications capability development, ensuring that Canada was capable of working with our NATO partners.
His hobby of collecting R.C.C.S. (Signals) memorabilia grew into a passion for collecting, preserving and sharing all manners of Signals Corps history on his website, RCSigs.ca. His most meaningful work included Graves of our Fallen, a repository and tribute to fallen Canadian Signal Soldiers. He collected and published military files and photos of every fallen signals soldier’s grave, often recruiting friends to visit cemeteries abroad for him.
The family would like to thank Joe’s healthcare providers, notably Dr. Xinni Song, Dr. Nair, Dr. Alkerhayf, Dr. Sinclair, Dr. Bruni, Dr. Coté, Dr. Swami, and all of his dedicated nurses and caregivers.
Friends may pay respects on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 (2-4 pm and 7-9 pm) and at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 7 at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre (National Military Cemetery) 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON K1M 8E2 613-741-9530.
Visitation will end shortly before the 1:00 pm funeral and the 2:00 pm military burial, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation - Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre.
Digital Guestbook
Victor Khoo
Ryan Chapman
From both my father and I, our condolences to your family Joe. It was always a pleasure and a challenge to discuss and debate with you the future of our profession. You were a Titan in our community and your accomplishments help set the conditions for future success. May you rest well and in peace.
BGen (Ret) RK (Bob) Martineau
For Joe's family and friends, we in the Communications and Electronics community of the Canadian Armed Forces all mourn with you on this sad occasion of profound pain and personal loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe's loved ones at this saddest of times. Be assured that Joe has left a great legacy through his RCSigs.ca web site and his superb contributions to the Graves of the Fallen work. I had the pleasure of working with Joe on a few Signals history matters, and can attest to his encyclopedic knowledge and enthusiasm for this subject. Rest assured that he will be both missed and remembered by many for the person that he was and the personal and professional contributions that he made.
Tony Charters
I worked extensively with Joe on thé C&E Memorials Project the database for which he hosted on RCSigs.ça. He was a dedicated compatriot and military communicator. The data he compiled is priceless and will be one of his many notable accomplishments. RIP
Tom McMullen
Joe was a consummate professional and always made time (no matter who you were) for you to discuss any issues. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Stephane Roy
Joe was among the best of us. A leader, mentor, and a friend to so many, he always kept a positive attitude with sometimes a subtle and unexpected sense of humor which made us smile. You will be greatly missed my friend. VVV.
Jordan Tadros
My condolences to the family. The RCCS has lost someone who cared deeply about its past and its future, and optimized what it means to be a signaller.
VVV
Dale Oelrich MWO (ret)
Thank you Joe for your service. To the Costello's may you find comfort and strength in the fellowship of Family at this time.
I served with a young Lt Costello in Petawawa at SSF HQ & Sigs and have many pleasant dealing with him since both in and out of the service.
RIP my friend
Velox Versutus Vigilans / Swift Skilled Alert.
Hubert Janssen
Even though I did not know Joe personally, I certainly heard of him and his tireless work on the collection of R.C.C.S. history for all of us to enjoy; we will make sure his work continues.
RIP
Karim Alexan
I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to Joe’s family; and may he rest in peace. Unlike some of my colleagues at General Dynamics, who developed longstanding relationships with Joe, I only worked directly with him for 3-1/2 years before retiring in 2021. I’d like to echo Ihor Triska’s and Victor Khoo’s comments about what a great customer he was. During my regular interactions with Joe, I truly appreciated his technical competence, direct and pragmatic approach, calm demeanor, and, especially, his quick sense of humor. His passion and dedication was truly admirable.
I would like to pass on my heartfelt and sincerest condolences to Joe's family. Having known Joe for nearly 2 decades from my time at General Dynamics, I was proud to call him a friend. We all know that Joe was really intelligent, but I will remember Joe most for his quick wit, empathetic nature, and family focus. I will miss him and may he rest in peace.