Charles Nicholas Costakos

Charles Nicholas Costakos “Chuck”, age 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025 at Dublin Glenn Memory Care, Dublin, Ohio, after an 8-year journey with Alzheimer’s. His wife, Sandy, the love of his life, was by his side when he passed.

Chuck was born on December 4, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN, and was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas Charles and Margaret (Dickinson) Costakos, and his daughter, Susan Jill Costakos-Slomka.

Chuck received his BA in Economics, MS in Information Science, and MBA, all from Ohio State University. His first job after college (1964) was at Nationwide Insurance Co., Columbus, OH. From there he worked at Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) for 26 years (1969-1995) in various positions, including product management and international marketing, where he negotiated contracts and served as liaison with database partners, often traveling to Germany and Japan. After leaving CAS, Chuck worked at SilverPlatter Information Inc in Boston, MA for over a year, developing a worldwide marketing plan. From 1996-1999, he worked for America Online (CompuServe Div) in Columbus, OH, where he managed a portfolio of premium content in news, computing, finance, and research information. He also negotiated contracts, maintaining relationships with partners. Finally, Chuck worked at and retired from Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) from 1999 to 2008 where he was Director, Content Services; he negotiated and managed agreements with database publishers, prepared pricing and revenue budgets.

Chuck retired in 2008 and was able to transition from work activities to his personal passions. He enjoyed history, reading, traveling, country music, art, walking, wearing hats (so many hats), and spending time with family. He volunteered as a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art so he could spend more time with his love for art. Chuck and Sandy traveled many places, including the country of his ancestors, Greece, as well as to France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Mexico. They also did lots of traveling all over the US to visit family, friends, and many national parks. Two of their favorite trips were riverboat cruises on the Danube and Porto Rivers.

Whether at work or volunteering after his retirement, Chuck was always well liked by his friends and colleagues. He had a calming effect on all with his patient and kind manner and was always able to find a way to squeeze in a joke now and then.

Chuck retired happily in 2008 and enjoyed a decade of travel and volunteering before being diagnosed with dementia in 2017. True to his nature, Chuck approached this new challenge with remarkable openness and courage. He focused on making sure he and his family were comfortable. Even during this time, Chuck's positive and happy outlook never faded. He continued to tell his familiar jokes, the ones he had always used at work and while volunteering, to keep the mood light and help everyone feel at ease. He carried this positive attitude throughout the rest of his life.

Chuck attended art classes with the Alzheimer’s Association and created several paintings. It was one of his favorite activities at the time. Many of his paintings have been given to family members. Chuck was always happy during his remaining time at home before going to memory care. He most often could be seen watching TV with his gentle dog, Toby (a cavapoo), sitting by his side.

Chuck always wanted to participate in a clinical trial in the hope that it may help future Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. In 2021 he qualified for an OSU research study with Dr. Douglas Scharre, Director of Cognitive Neurology at Ohio State University. The purpose of the study was to help find early detection of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body diseases.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Sandra Wilson Costakos (formerly Ferryman), to whom he was married for 31 years; his sister Jane (Steve) Young; sons Jeffrey (Deborah) Costakos and David (Dana) Costakos; stepsons Rodney Ferryman and Kevin Ferryman Sr; grandchildren Connor (Silvia) Costakos, Lindsey (Marc) Cassimus, Paige (Jordan Fernandes) Costakos, and Ava Marie Costakos; step-grandchildren Kevin Ferryman Jr and Courtney Ferryman; great-grandchildren Ajax and Suzette Costakos; Miles Jeffrey Costakos Fernandes, Nicholas Marcus Cassimus; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone at Dublin Glenn Memory Care for the kindness and love given to Chuck during his two and a half years living there. During most of this year, he was in the care of Zusman Hospice who showed compassion and understanding to Chuck and his family while caring for his many health challenges.

Many thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association for the activities in which Chuck and Sandy have been involved, with special thanks to Jeannie Myer, who for many years has provided caring support to Sandy, Chuck, a special friend Tim Long, and so many others who have been on this journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Chuck’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1379 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215; Columbus Museum of Art, 480 East Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215; or to Zusman Hospice, Wexner Heritage Village, 1151 College Ave, Columbus, OH 43209.

A Gathering of Remembrance will be held for family and friends on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Dublin Glenn Memory Care facility, 6355 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43016. Light refreshments will be available. There is parking at the facility or next door at Tudor Time of Dublin. Please come and share your stories as we remember Chuck’s life of smiles.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.”