John Hayes Costello

In loving memory of John Hayes Costello, born in Los Angeles, California to Fern Marie Hayes of St. Joseph, Missouri and Johnny Pateo Costello of Il Locos Sur, Philippines on April 4, 1939. The only child between Fern and Johnny he was an adorable and charismatic boy. He grew up in Montebello, California with his dog Major and a bonus sister, a cousin named Judy. One of the hardest days of his life was losing his beloved mother at the age of 15 to a brain aneurism. The Lord blessed him a few years later with a loving stepmother Maria Trinidad, and two wonderful half-brothers, Lloyd and Frank Costello.

Through his teenage years he made the ladies swoon with his guitar and his ‘53 convertible Corvette named “Suzie-Q”. An enlistment in the U.S. Navy brought an education in nuclear engineering and a lifelong best friend, Ken Goodwin. In 1974 John completed his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Cal State Los Angeles which lauds the signature of then-governor Ronald Reagan.

On February 14, 1969 John wed Junell Hornbeck and celebrated their nuptials by staring on the Newlywed Game, winning a set of kitchen appliances. They welcomed their first son, Scott Patrick Costello and shortly thereafter John “Brian” Costello. Although he loved his boys, he was over the moon when his only daughter, Kelly June Costello, came several years later. When he and Junell separated, he lived in the El Monte bachelor pad for 20 years.

John spent the majority of his professional career as an engineer designing things such as nuclear valve products, sprinkler systems, missile guidance systems, and circuit board test equipment.  In the early 1990’s when the economy turned and engineering jobs became scarce, he left engineering to pursue various careers such as school teacher, technical class trainer, and eventually retiring as a marketing analyst. He was always tinkering with something, and always had some sort of project. He was also the consummate entertainer, he was always making people smile with music, funny voices, magic tricks and lots of toys.

John’s life was full of remarkable accomplishments and bold pursuits. His lifelong journey of learning included calligraphy, astrology, graphology and much more.  He had numerous hobbies that he pursued with great fervor. When he did something, he really went all-out.  John loved guitar, so he started a folk music club in college. He loved tennis, so he became a part-time tennis instructor teaching people to lose (weight) through tennis.  He loved sailing, so he started a sailing club and hosted regattas on the weekend. Family vacations were always to Yosemite national park, where he summited Half Dome several times and made sure that all three of his children had the opportunity to do so as well. His buddy, Ken, wanted to learn to fly, so they built an airplane together. He was fascinated by sign language, so he became an advanced interpreter and volunteered his services at Yosemite ranger chats and at birthday parties for deaf children (while dressed as a clown). His interest was peaked while watching a balloon animal artist, so he became a master at the craft who could often be found one-upping balloon artists in restaurants or “tagging” a scenic location with a balloon swan.

In his early 60’s John’s life took another dramatic turn when he suffered a major stroke that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body and unable to effectively communicate. Although he was not able to do any of the things he loved doing, he was not defeated. He practiced drawing with his non-dominate left hand and drew the story of his life for his posterity. He lived for 20 years with his children and loved being able to see his grandchildren grow up. This was made possible through his stubborn refusal to surrender and the dedicated health care management provided by his daughter in-law, Kara. During the last 5 years of his time on earth, he stayed as active as his health allowed.  He swept the driveway and sidewalks everyday, watched traffic at the corner, and became locally famous for rolling himself in his wheelchair with his broom, rake, and a few trash bags to clean up the area around the baseball field at Wardlow park.

On Friday, Feb 23, John joyously reunited with his mother and father in heaven. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, his bonus sister/cousin, and two half-brothers, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Though John is gone from our sight, he remains forever in our hearts.

John's service will be broadcasted live at the following link for those that can not make it.

https://youtube.com/live/M0aOnGNKJqE?feature=share

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401