William James Costello Jr.

Bourne – William “Bill” James Costello Jr., passed away on Monday, August 22nd at Falmouth Hospital. He was 74 years of age. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 13th, 1948 to the late Florence (MacQueen) and William Costello.

Bill served in the United States Air Force from March 1967 until January 1971 when he was honorably discharged. He was part of the 20th Special Operations Squadron where he was a flight engineer as well as a serial gunner on a CH-3E helicopter and crew chief.

At 22 years old, Former Sgt. William J. Costello Jr, was one of the most decorated Vietnam veterans in Delaware County. He held two awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the nation’s second highest medal for valor, the Silver Star Medal, the third highest decoration; the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry; five Air Medals and two Purple Heart Medals.

In 1974 Bill met his wife Brenda and they began their lives together on Cape Cod where Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing on a regular basis.

His entrepreneurial spirit thrived through his automotive repair shop, steel fabrication and woodworking. Bill was never afraid to get his hands dirty.

More than anything Bill was a provider with a seemingly long-gone work ethic. He just wanted to do what he felt needed to be done and wanted to do it well.

In 1996 at the age of 48, Bill fought diligently to get out of the trades and become a Massachusetts Environmental Police officer. He served the Town of Plymouth for roughly 15 years and retired at the age of 65. He loved working with local hunters and fishermen as well as the Harbormaster’s and Plymouth Police Department.

During his tenure as an E.P.O. Bill suffered a stroke and lost use of the majority of his right hand. With perseverance and determination he completed his firearms qualification shooting left-handed – just one of the many things he overcame during his lifetime.

In more recent years, he enjoyed going to dinners with his wife and friends at the American Legion Hall in Plymouth.

Bill leaves behind his wife, Brenda (White) Costello, two sons, Jason and Jamie (wife Ally), two grandchildren, Ivory and Liam, and sisters, Barbara (husband Craig) and Florence, and 9 nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing on Sunday at the Nickerson Funeral Home in Bourne from 1-3pm. The funeral will be on Monday at 1:15pm at the Otis Air National Guard Base (the family requests attendees to gather at the Nickerson Funeral Home at 12:15pm). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Legion Plymouth Post #40, 199 Federal Furnace Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360 which has been a great support during this time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nickersonbourne.com for the Costello family.