Shrewsbury – Retired Worcester Police Detective Richard D. Costello, 85 of Shrewsbury, MA — husband, father, storyteller, golfer, and expert at hiding cookies from his wife — died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
Richard, or Dick, as his closest friends (and, ironically, his worst enemies) called him, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1936. Being the second oldest of five boys born to Worcester Police Officer Walter F. and Hannah (Gustafson) Costello meant that he was a ring-leader in what he referred to as “good old-fashioned fun” and what, today, we would refer to as juvenile delinquency.
While crashing a party at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1958 he met the love of his life, Carole. Charming her with his classic good looks, winning smile, and sense of humor they married in 1959. It’s disputed to this day whether or not she thought she was dating an engineering student, but their love stuck, and the beautiful daughter of a local Podiatrist and a kid from Bell Hill that wasn’t a college student celebrated 62 wonderful years together in August, 2021. Dick and Carole have been constant companions, fellow travelers and well-known diners in the Worcester area their whole marriage. His family is saddened that the age-old debate between Dick and Carole – at what temperature steak should be considered done – has not been settled.
Undeterred by the hardships of a new marriage, and wielding the impressive ability to be one of the fastest eaters in Central Massachusetts, he worked various jobs, including selling encyclopedias door-to-door (he sold one copy to himself) and working for Anthony “Spags” Borgetti (who became a long-time friend) until he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Worcester Police Officer in 1965. At one point Dick, his father and his Uncle John Costello all served on the force simultaneously. He served the City of Worcester with distinction for 32 years, being awarded many accolades. In 1968 Officer Costello made national headlines when he fought off two assailants that attempted to kill him. Severely wounded, he managed to heroically fight the men until backup arrived. For his valiant efforts, of which his wife Carole later said made him look more dashing, he became a Detective in 1970. He served first in the Juvenile Division (having a lot of former childhood experience in that field) and later moved on to investigate arson, assaults and murder. He was an expert in evidence collection and crime scenes and finished his career focusing on crime scene analysis. Dick loved to remind people that he was CSI before CSI was cool. Dick also served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1955-1962.
In later years his detective expertise was noted frequently by his wife and family, as he solved every murder in every movie and TV show before the finish, routinely blurting out the correct answers well before the finish. He also enjoyed telling television detectives how dumb they were, but had a soft spot for Columbo.
Dick was blessed to have two children, Carla Smith (Costello) and Brian Costello. Both attest that he was “the dad that was always there” and his efforts, in partnership with Carole, in showing what it means to be there for your kids is legend. His simple advice, “If you get locked up I ain’t coming to bail you out” stuck and neither child ended up on the wrong side of the law. His presence in their lives, even while they feared driving in a vehicle with him due to his aggressive driving style mixed with an expert use of curse words, was something they recognize as rare and wonderful. A mentor, a sage, a comic, his constant loving presence will be missed but his lessons in life will never be forgotten.
Upon retirement in 1997 he became employed at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club as one of those old retired guys that golfers generally didn’t like. Amazingly, he turned out to be one of the few everyone liked – golfers and colleagues alike — and was often cited as the hardest working man ever to grace retirement. He worked at golf courses from his retirement until Fall of 2021 and was planning on another season this Spring. If you witness a downturn in course quality next season, look up, smile, and take a free drop.
An avid lover of golf, Dick was a bit disappointed that his wife, daughter, son and grandsons didn’t much like the game, but that didn’t deter him from endlessly talking about golf, watching golf and exclusively wearing golf attire. Incredibly, he became a good golfer, despite a Costello gene that prohibited this except in rare circumstances. He once got struck by lightning with a group from the Worcester Police League and promptly stayed away from golf for an entire miserable week. Dick welcomed his annual three-month trip to Florida, a state he insists has the “best” of whatever you could possibly name. If asked where the best breakfast place was, he’d give you detailed directions to someplace in Naples, FL.
Dick felt truly blessed to have three grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He loved spending time with Carla’s sons Matthew (33) and Michael (30), being there as they grew up and loving every moment of it. He was joyful at the later arrival of his grandson Putnam (11), son of his son Brian and daughter-in-law he loved like a daughter Amanda. He recently was overjoyed to welcome Benjamin, his great-grandson from Michael and his wife Megan. Dick felt a deep sense of pride to be witness to grandson Matthew following in his footsteps by joining the Worcester Police in 2016. Dick was also extremely proud of Michael for establishing a great career as a Manager at Wegman’s and was truly amazed at Putnam’s musical talent on the piano.
Dick was also a founding member of “Drinks on the Driveway” a social group of fellow retirees in his community in Shrewsbury. Known for their ability to laugh and have fun, the crew celebrated their love of life, food and drink. This group was truly special for him and he made new friends that will sorely miss his wit and humor.
Finally, while most that knew him called him Dick, or Richie, his wife Carole always called him Rich. It was well-known that Rich always shed a tear at the end of one of his favorite movies, It’s a Wonderful Life. He often said he felt the same way and now we know that Carole was, as usual, right. Rich he was. Rich in his ability to lend a hand and create a smile. Rich is his warmth and good nature. Rich in his love of family and friends. Rich was, indeed, the richest man in town. We are blessed to have been a part of his wonderful life.
He is survived by his wife Carole; his two children, Carla Smith of Worcester, Brian Costello, and his wife Amanda of Shrewsbury; three grandchildren, Matthew Troiano, Michael Smith and his wife Megan, and Putnam Costello; a great grandson Benjamin; A brother Thomas Costello and his wife Rachel of Grafton; Nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. Three brothers, Walter, Robert and James Costello predeceased him.
Calling hours for Richard will be held Tuesday, January 11th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will b held Wednesday, January 12th from the funeral home with a procession to St John Church, 44 Temple Street where his celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 10:00 am. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Manny Familia, 267 Foundation, 2543 Hunley Loop, Kissimmee, Florida 34743, www.267foundation.org, or the Worcester Police Relief Association, 9-11 Lincoln Street Worcester. A celebration of life is being planned for Spring.
Live streaming will be available at https://www.mercadantefuneral.com/page/live-services beginning at 10 am Wednesday
