Joseph C. Costello, 89, of Rome City, IN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday evening, August 29, 2024, at PRMC.  Born on March 1, 1935, in Decatur, IN, he was the son of the late Francis R. and Mary A. (Thomas) Costello and the youngest of two sons.  Joe grew up in Decatur and graduated from Decatur Catholic High School. He went on to earn a Marketing Degree from The University of Notre Dame in 1957, a time when tuition was much more affordable. His college days were marked by a unique tradition: dorm lights were out at 10pm and studying and playing poker were done by flashlight. After graduation, while working in the Trust Department at People's Trust Bank in Downtown Fort Wayne, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Hogan. They married on November 21, 1959, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church and shared sixty-three years together.  In 1969, Joe purchased a cottage on Sylvan Lake, where his father-in-law encouraged him to get involved with the Sylvan Lake Improvement Association. Joe left that first meeting as President and devoted forty years to the role, working tirelessly to enhance the lake community he cherished. Joe's contributions were made possible by the collective efforts of the Sylvan Lake Association board and support of the lake community.   Joe found joy in the simple things in life – whether it be playing bridge or poker, watching Notre Dame football, going on pontoon rides, or having a beer. The most important parts of his life were faith and family. His unwavering commitment to his faith was evident in his active participation at St. Gaspar's Catholic Church, where he found comfort and strength. Alongside Kathleen, Joe cherished every moment with their three children and five grandchildren, finding joy in their successes and offering steadfast support through life's ups and downs. Joe's dedication to his family and his faith shaped his character and left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy of love, faith, and devotion will be remembered and cherished by all who were blessed to be part of his life. Joseph is survived by his three children: Cindy Balestra of Fort Wayne, Patrick (Val) Costello of Dublin, OH, and Molly (Mark) McCrory of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren: Alex (Ali) Balestra, Sam Costello, Elizabeth Balestra, Max McCrory, and Maddie McCrory; and a great-granddaughter, Penelope Jo Balestra. He is preceded in death by his wife Kathleen, a son, Joseph Costello, who died shortly after birth, his son-in-law, Claude Balestra, and his brother Thomas Costello.  Visitation will be held on Saturday September 28th from 10 am to 12pm with a rosary at 11:30am at Divine Mercy Funeral Home 3500 Lake Ave Fort Wayne, IN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at St. Gaspar Catholic Church, 10871 N. St Rd. 9, Rome City, IN with interment to follow. Preferred memorials are to Masses at St. Gaspar, the Sylvan Lake Improvement Association, or the Rome City Orange Township Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a kind gesture be made on Joe's behalf.