Dennis Sean Costello

Dennis Sean Costello, 85, of Deep River died peacefully, Saturday, January 13th, at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. He was born on December 10th, 1938, in New York, NY, to the late John and Mary (Sullivan) Costello. He was predeceased by his brother Timothy K. Costello, daughter Anne (Costello) Dombrofski, and son-in-law Brendan Saunders. He is survived by his wife Catherine (Dashner) of Deep River and his sister Erin Costello of Port Hueneme, CA; his son-in-law, Mark Dombrofski (Elena) of West Hartford; Paul Costello (Michele) and Tom Costello (Karla Figuereo) of Middletown; Mary (Costello) Saunders of Clinton; Amy (Costello) Brassard (Andrew) of North Providence, RI; as well as grandchildren: Sean & Claire Dombrofski; Jonathan and Nicholas Costello; Jorden Saunders; Elyse & Leah Brassard.

Dennis was a faithful husband, loving father, grandfather, teacher, scholar, and gentleman. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was often with profundity. Growing up in Forrest Hills, NY, he was the first college graduate in his family, earning a B.A. from St. John’s University in Queens, NY and an M.A. from Southern Connecticut State University. It was very important to him that his children have the same opportunity; he put his five children though Mercy and Xavier High Schools in Middletown, and Georgetown and Seton Hall universities, and St. Anselm and Providence colleges.

While not his first calling, Dennis’ love of literature, language and teaching had him in the classroom at Lyme-Old Lyme High School for 35 years, followed a few years later by 10 years as an adjunct professor at Middlesex Community College until he was 81 years old.

A devout Catholic, he took his faith seriously and lived by example. At St. Joseph’s parish, he was the Catechism coordinator for 29 years, was a member and Grand Knight of the Fr. Kuster Knights of Columbus Council, and RCIA sponsor for 10 years. He even incorporated the Bible as Literature into his English classes at Lyme-Old Lyme High School, introducing countless youth to the Bible that might not have otherwise been exposed to it.

His family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Middlesex Hospital for their excellent and empathetic care. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19th, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 48 Middlesex Turnpike in Chester on Saturday, January 20th at 10 am. Interment will immediately follow at the Resurrection Cemetery, Route 145 in Westbrook. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s RC Church/St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 14 Prospect Street, Essex, CT 06426.