Dear Joanne, Jennifer, Karen and family,
Every once in a while, God blesses us with a very special person, and our lives are changed forever. Please know that we share your sadness as you say goodbye to Fred.
Fond and fun memories are what I have to remember my cousin Fred. I loved him. We shared frequent family gatherings in our younger years. Fred, 11yrs my senior, was my 1st cousin. His mom, my beloved Aunt Aggie, and my Dad were siblings. The Costello cousins’ families often gathered at our “Nonnie’s” Schuyler Street homestead on Tipperary Hill. I remember attending Fred’s graduation from college, and remember how his sense of humor had people laughing out loud.
In recent years, dealing with devastating illness/disability, Fred’s love of life seldom waned. Fred’s Faith, love and the optimism of his heart was REAL.
Joanne, Fred loved you dearly. Your presence in Fred’s life as friend, wife, mother to your girls, + co-grandparent well, the word that comes to mind is “profound”. Your enduring support during his recent challenges (beginning in the summer of 2019 and these difficult months) exactly defines what “in sickness and in health” is meant to mean.
Jennifer, sending you prayers and heartfelt sympathy. You are most certainly your “father’s daughter”. What a compliment! You were Fred’s ‘partner in crime’. You have so many of his endearing qualities. You have met your own life challenges with grit, determination, all sprinkled with humor. Like your Dad, the world is a better place with you in it. The life lessons your Dad taught you have endured and you will always feel his spirit nearby.
Karen, the love of your Dad can never be replaced, and it can never be lost. Ever.Your father was proud of you, and I know Fred’s looking down on you and yours from Heaven now. His legacy continues in your children.
Nobody could light up a room the way Fred could. We Costello cousins are all going to miss him at our gatherings, but we’re so blessed to still have him in our ❤️ hearts.
Love,
Marilyn and Don McNamara