Michael E Costigan

Born and raised in Pawtucket, RI, Michael was the beloved son of the late William and Arline (Delaney) Costigan. A proud graduate of Saint Raphael Academy, he went on to earn a degree in history from Belmont Abbey College. Shortly after graduating, he was drafted into the Vietnam War, serving bravely with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, making 33 jumps. Michael carried deep pride in his service throughout his life, honoring the sacrifice of his fellow soldiers and the country he loved.

Upon returning home, Michael married the love of his life, Shirley Mae (Balasco) Costigan, in 1973. Together they shared 41 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2014.

Michael spent his career as a driller with Guild Drilling Co. A dedicated union man, he was a devoted and respected member of Local 88. Known for his loyalty, work ethic, and integrity, he earned the admiration of colleagues and friends wherever he went. His commitment to honoring veterans continued through his work with the 21 Heroes Committee, which he helped found to memorialize the 21 men from Pawtucket who lost their lives in Vietnam. He was immensely proud when the committee’s efforts culminated in the monument erected in Slater Park in 2017.

Michael had a gift for making people feel welcome and they naturally gravitated to him. Expressive, friendly, and quick to connect, he made friends easily and remained a familiar face in every community he touched. In his youth, he was a neighborhood icon; in later years, he became a beloved regular at Elmhurst Pub on Smith Street where he formed treasured friendships. He cherished time spent with family, especially a long beach day, a beer, and good conversation. His unwavering support, wisdom, steady positivity, and humor never left him, even during the toughest of times.

A devoted sports fan, Michael followed the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Steelers with unwavering enthusiasm; quick to post his thoughts or a recap on social media. Around 63 years ago he would’ve gone viral, hauling in the winning touchdown to knock off a heated rival for the state title playing football for the St. Ray’s Saints. He proudly wore his high school Varsity jacket (that still fit!) to all St. Ray’s functions.

His family will miss his genuineness, advice and his stories. He had the unique gift of making a short story long and we loved him for that. A man of strong faith, he was a dedicated parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church for decades and took great pride in his duties as an usher, he volunteered weekly at the earliest morning mass. We take great comfort in knowing he accomplished his main goal this past December by staying healthy and strong for his dance to “My Girl” with his granddaughter at her wedding. What a stellar performance he gave, and now a fond memory engrained in our hearts forever.

Michael is survived by his cherished daughter, Kerri Costigan, and her husband Jason Benoit; his granddaughter, the apple of his eye, Alexa Benoit Manfredi, whose efforts were boundless in making him healthy and comfortable in his final weeks, and her husband Anthony; his sister Duane Brouillette (George); his brother Gregory Costigan (Jeanne); his sister in law Sandra Balasco; his nephews Jared Brouillette (Robin), William Brouillette (Erin), and Mike Costigan; his niece Katie Barry (Jay); great-nephews Liam, Jake and Matt, and great-niece Allie.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Tuesday, July 14, from 8:30–10:30 AM at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 239 Regent Avenue, Providence, RI, then burial with military honors at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery in Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s name to Saint Raphael Academy via https://www.saintrays.org/give/#awb-open-oc__17065 and please direct your gift to Existing Scholarships, to The Dalton/Hulme Memorial Scholarship Michael Dalton ’64 and John Hulme ’64.