Gloria Costello (February 2, 1931 – November 29, 2014)

Sayreville, NJ – Gloria Costello, 83, died peacefully Saturday morning, November 29th surrounded by her family in the comforts of home.

Gloria was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to Newfoundland immigrants, Gertrude and Raymond Costello. The third of four children, Gloria grew up with two brothers, Raymond and Jack, and an older sister, Catsy. Gloria’s father, an ironworker, is one of the 11 men sitting on a beam high above Rockefeller Center in 1932 – a notable photo seen around the world.

Gloria met her husband, Kevin Costello, an ironworker with Local 40, at a dance in Brooklyn when she was 19-years-old. Gloria and Kevin had a lot in common: Kevin’s parents were also from Newfoundland and they shared the same last name, Costello. The young couple was married on September 6, 1952, and Gloria never had to change her name. They had one child together, Karen, who they raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. After nearly 47 years of marriage, Gloria and Kevin’s love story was cut short when Kevin passed away in February 1999.

Gloria, Kevin, and Gertrude moved to Sayreville, NJ in December 1988 to help care for their three grandchildren, Kevin, Kristen and Daniel, in a mother-daughter house. They loved to surprise their grandkids – who lovingly referred to Gloria as ‘Mommo’ – with pancakes, fishing trips and movie dates. Gloria continuously showered the grandchildren with affection and would often sing to them when they were young.

Gloria is survived by her brother, Jack Costello, her daughter and only child, Karen Kraemer, son-in-law Daniel Kraemer Jr., and her three grandchildren, Kevin, Kristen, and Daniel III.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, December 5th from 2pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm at Maliszewski Memorial Home at 121 Main Street Sayreville, NJ 08872. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, December 6th at Our Lady of Victories Church 42 Main Street Sayreville, NJ 08872.