Sun City, Ariz. – John Dennis Costedio of Sun City, Arizona, formerly of Hudson, Massachusetts, died peacefully at the age of 92 on February 1st, 2022. He leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Joanne; his children Debra Paine, John R. Costedio, Janice Connors, and James Costedio; and 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
The descendant of Portuguese immigrants, John was a self-made man.
Following his military service during the Korean War, three roads diverged before him. One was the honor of being nominated to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. The other was the opportunity to become a Major League baseball player. After all, he was so highly valued as a southpaw with the Army during his stint at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania that he was assigned as a baker so that he wouldn’t hurt his pitching arm. Then, following his Honorable Discharge from the Army, he was courted by the Chicago Cubs. But John had other courting in mind after meeting the love of his life and chose the third road of marriage in September 1951.
Upon returning to Hudson, he became a respected businessman and community leader, founding the Marlborough-based Highland Land Surveyors and serving as Chairman of the Hudson Board of Health.
John was the quintessential performer. He excelled at regaling family and friends with highly embellished story-telling, an infectious laugh, and melodious song. He had a great passion for music that expressed itself in many forms: In his early days, he was a tenor with Music Masters, a Hudson/Clinton based band, and sang often at special events in the style of Frank Sinatra who was in his mind the GOAT among songsters. Oh, how he could harmonize!
There was another GOAT to which he was likewise devoted and drove his love of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. Indeed, he was a fan of all Boston teams and could never get enough of NESN (the New England Sports Network).
John lived the good life with Joanne and family. Memories abound of his mastery at leather crafting, preparing sweet bread and popcorn balls at Christmas, high bidding at pinochle, vacations at Hampton Beach, and happy days by the backyard pool.
He and Joanne shared a strong faith and devotion to their Church. No doubt, therefore, that he is now at home with his Lord.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Arizona Buttes Assisted Living Home in Peoria for providing the utmost care and compassion.
Services will be held at a later date.
