World War II veteran, father of Harvard woman

James Costello (Courtesy photo)

James Patrick Costello, 85, died Monday, March 1, 2010, at Renaissance Gardens in Hingham, surrounded by his family. Born in Jamaica Plain, he was the son of the late Thomas and Kathryn (Farley) Costello. He was the husband of Jeanne Marie (Gaffney) Costello.

Jim was a 1943 graduate of Boston Latin High School and a 1948 graduate of Boston College. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army 328th Infantry Division. He spent his career as a sales executive with Burroughs Corporation for 33 years. He joined the consulting firm, Bunton Peace, as a partner. He was a visiting professor at Boston College, teaching sales management at the Carroll School of Management.

He is remembered for his beautiful singing voice and his dedication to and pride in his family. Always a gentleman, he was admired by all who knew him.

He is survived by his seven children, William Thomas and his wife, Lynn; James Patrick Jr. and his wife, Laura; Mary Costello; Irene Costello; Jeannie Peters and her husband, Todd; Kathryn Makosky and her husband, Luke; and Julie Hubbard and her husband, Jeff. He is the grandfather of Caitlin, Jennifer and Thomas Costello; Shannon, Jack, and Jennifer Peters; Rachel, Liam, and Colleen Makosky; and Colin, Giles, and Ginger Hubbard. He was brother to the late Mary (Costello) Gleason and uncle to 12 nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Church of the Resurrection in Hingham Friday, March 5. Interment was in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.