Our Own Local Legend
Daniel James Costello, Jr.
1916 - 2008
Age 91, of Gulf Shores, AL and Park Rapids, passed away January 8, 2008 in Alabama. Survived by his wife Eileen B. Costello of 65 years; 4 daughters, Peg (Ted) Gozdzialski of MI, Joan (Bill) Pridgen of CA, Terri Costello of CA, and Ann (John) Fake of MN; 3 sons, Jim (Beverly) Costello of KS, Pat (Jeanine) Costello of AK and Mark (Cindy) Costello of CA; sister, Donna Robinson of MN; 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 1 more "great" on the way. Preceded in death by son Daniel J. Costello, III.
Dan grew up in Minneapolis and attended De LaSalle High School. He was awarded a football scholarship (quarterback position) and graduated from St. Mary's College of Winona in the late 1930's. Mr. Costello was a United States Army Air Corp Veteran serving during WWII as a Captain. He was among the first group of trained B29 pilots chosen to be flight instructors in what later became the United States Air Force. (He would've rather gone overseas to fight.)
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Upon his honorable discharge, Dan (and Eileen) bought a small fishing camp with 5 or 6 cottages (with electricity, running water and "Ice Boxes"). They were the original proprietors of "Costello's Eagle Beach Resort" from 1946 to 1973. It still operates as a family resort today. He was also employed full-time for the County Social Services Department until his retirement. He worked in the original Park Rapids Court House as well as the current one. His upstairs office at the Museum was located where the gift shop is now, near the old Court Room.
He was one of the founding fathers and original stockholders of the Headwaters Golf Course. He started the Firearms Safety Program at the Armory, and ran it for many years. He taught all of his children to hunt and enjoy the outdoors. He was an avid deer hunter, inviting friends, relatives and in-laws into his hunting party, until the age of 84, when he and Eileen moved to Alabama permanently in 2001.
He was a patron of many local businesses which are now only memories: Timberlane, ValChatel, Vacationaire, Chateau Paulette and Shipwreck, to name a few. He loved a good Royal Burger, and enjoyed many good times at the American Legion.
Daniel Costello will be interred at St. Mary's Cemetery, Mpls, in the spring or summer of 2008 (tba). A Prayer Service will be offered by long-time family friend Monsignor Gerry Noisen, and a Celebration of Dan's life will be held at that time. A Mass of Christian Burial was held January 14 in Gulf Shores. (Arrangements by Cason Funeral Service 251-975-2273)
Dan was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Brother and Uncle. He was a Mentor and Friend to many, and is dearly missed.
