Joseph Kelly Costello

Joe’s story is so much bigger than its final chapter and his cancer fight. He enriched the lives of many through his wit, style, honesty, and kind nature. He grew up in Omaha, NE and attended Our Lady of Lourdes school in the Field Club neighborhood where his family worshiped, and his mom was a teacher. He graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1997. He continued his studies at Metro Community College in Omaha. Stories abound of Joe’s penchant for having everything in its place from a young age. A memory in his baby book notes that around the age of three, Joe would clean the house himself before the babysitter arrived so it would look just so!

Joe made many friends in his work at Omaha’s Midtown HyVee, (He could still remember all the produce codes he learned as a young man,) Younker's Westroads, (perfecting his master gift-wrapping skills,) and in the hospitality industry in area hotels. He moved to Denver, CO in 2004 and worked for VF Corp in the Nautica and Kipling divisions until 2016. Joe had the opportunity to work in the fashion markets each season in New York presenting the lines to buyers from across the country as well has showcasing his merchandising and product training talents in stores from St. Louis to Denver to Las Vegas and across the Hawaiian Islands during his tenure. He continued his career in apparel and fashion merchandising with Macy's as a Private Brands Coordinator and at Target Corp as a District Visual Trainer in the Denver area through 2021. Joe took a few months off before joining 1906 New Highs as a Regional Visual Manager in early 2022 prior to his illness.

Joe had a great passion for music, fashion, gardening, interior design and mid-century modern architecture and accessories. Over the years he collaborated with his partner, Jim and best friends Kerry Liles and Spiro Koinis on countless projects redoing MCM houses, thrifting for treasures, biking, dining out, drinking wine and watching favorite shows until all hours of the night. A fun fact – Joe saw Cher in concert 15 times. His childhood BFF, Andrew Rannells, even gave Joe a shout-out when he appeared as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race for being introduced to the song, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves “in Joe Costello’s Basement.” Joe and Jim loved to travel together and visited Hawaii many times with family and friends at their sides. A final trip with treasured loved ones to Palm Springs and a bucket-list Stevie Nicks’ concert at Red Rocks were highlights in his final months.

Left to celebrate his memory: partner of 18 years, Jim Freelend of Denver, CO, parents, James L and Janet (Kranda) Costello, brothers, Jim (Becky) Costello, Jake (Kellie) Costello, Jeff (Annie) Costello and much-loved nieces and nephews all of Omaha, NE. Extended family on Jim’s side: Nancy (Miles) McGinnis of Central City, NE, Nick (Becky) Freelend of Marquette, NE, Jeff (Lenora) Freelend of Lewiston, ID. Treasured nephews and nieces across the map that always flocked to “Aunt Joe” for the tea on everything going on within the family. So many great friends beyond the ability to list by name will feel the loss of his humor, style, talents, and special brand of sassiness.

Family graveside service and inurnment will be held on Thurs, Aug 4th at 10 AM at Resurrection Cemetery 7800 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE. A meet and greet with his family will be held from 4-6 PM followed by a Celebration of Life from 6-8 PM at Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Denver, CO on Fri, Aug 12th from 6-9 PM at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Laprino Family Atrium overlooking the Denver skyline and front range mountains at 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205.

Memorials are suggested to Joe Costello’s T.R.I.S.H. Memorial Fund via www.Merrick-Foundation.org/ways-to-give/joe-costello.html . T.R.I.S.H. is an acronym for Truth, Respect, Inclusivity, Support & Hope, and a nod to the name of his minivan and the mythical creature from the movie Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. The fund will benefit non-profits assisting vulnerable and under-served people dealing with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses with food, care and end-of-life decision making support.

For more details on Joe’s life and legacy please visit EllisFamilyServices.com