Robert (Bob) Norbert Costello, 82, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, in the company of his family near his home in Chatsworth, Ga.
Bob was born Dec. 24, 1936, to Norbert Robert and Grace Costello in Philadelphia, Pa. He was one of three children – his sisters, Dolores (McGuire) and Helen (Finnegan), have preceded him in passing.
Bob graduated from Audubon High School in Audubon, N.J., and it was in New Jersey that he met his beautiful bride and wife of 62 years, Phyllis A. Costello (Strater). He soon after enlisted in the United States Army. After serving proudly and being honorably discharged, he and Phyllis married, and Bob was hired by the General Electric Co., where he began his lifelong career in military and aerospace electrical testing and manufacturing.
Bob was a member of a small team that built a military “data capsule” satellite, which took the first pictures from space of the curvature of the earth – proof that “the earth is round.” This capsule now resides in the Smithsonian Institute.
Bob was forever proud his wife, Phyllis; son Robert (Bob) Costello; daughter Lisa (Scott); daughter-in-law Marianne (Hart) Costello; son-in-law Matthew Scott; grandchildren Rachael Simon (Ciotti), James Simon, Robert and Hannah Costello; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was always quick with a story, which was reflective of his Irish heritage.
He was also very proud of his service in the U.S. Army, and his career work at GE Re-Entry Systems in Philadelphia, Pa.
He was able to enjoy a long retirement and moved to the south.
Military services and interment for Bob will be held at the Georgia National Military Cemetery in Canton, Ga. The service will be private.