William "Billy" Michael Costello

January 16, 1944 - January 5, 2021

William “Billy” Costello 1944-2021 PETERSBURG, IL-- William “Billy” Michael Costello of Petersburg, lover of stories and jokes, parties, people, pizza and pubs, passed away into eternal life January 5, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. His wife Jan was by his side. Billy was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, on January 16, 1944, to James M. and Agnes E. O’Connell Costello. He was the youngest of five children. His brother Frank preceded him in death as did his parents. Survivors include his wife Janet “Jan” Grosboll Costello whom Billy declared was “prettier than a speckled bird dog pup,” his daughter Monica Prince, brother Jim (Ruth) Costello, sister Dodie (Dallas) Ingemunson, and brother Johnny (Carol) Costello, and many beloved nieces and nephews representing three generations. Forever proud of Jacksonville and his Irish heritage, Billy attended Routt High School and lived and worked in Jacksonville for the next 40 years. His running dialogue of jokes, his fantastic memory, his love of people, and his determination to provide the best service made him a customer favorite at Myers Brothers and Lukeman’s where he worked nearly thirty years. The dapper Irishman with the “smiling blue eyes and the pocket square” then took his sales and marketing skills to the State of Illinois where he worked a decade at Correctional Industries prior to his retirement. A passionate guy, you always knew how Billy felt about most everything. He often made mention that the best thing he ever did was to marry the love of his life, Jan nearly 40 years ago. His outgoing nature made for lively discussion and strong opinions. It was great when you were on the same page, but it eventually worked out fine even if you weren’t! He treasured his family and friends above all. He loved reunions of every kind and looked forward to all of them—the long week-end Costello reunion in July, the Grosboll reunions in Las Vegas—and in Jacksonville, the Routt reunions and the gatherings of good friends at Don’s Place. He loved cars, as well as camping both close by and far away. He and Jan loved their snow dogs, Cheyenne and Brennan. Billy loved the twist, the jitterbug, Frank Sinatra, and Bobby Darin. He loved the Cubs and the Bears. He loved playing euchre and solitaire. He loved watching the news and sports of all kinds, as well as western movies, World War II movies and history and nature shows. Kind, thoughtful, insightful and caring, he made everyone feel loved and appreciated. Billy loved life and he always made us laugh. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and many will be raising a glass to him with a toast. A graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg on January 16, 2021 (his Birthday), at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Stephanie McCullough officiating. Al Grosboll will share remembrances, Mary Kate Smith will sing one of Billy’s favorite songs, and Damian Zimmerman will conclude with a bagpipe farewell tribute. Due to the pandemic, we ask that everyone practice social distancing and wear a protective face covering if you attend the graveside service. Cremation rites were accorded by Hurley Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Petersburg Rural Fire Department, 18480 IL-97, Petersburg Illinois 62675, Menard County EMS, 19072 IL-123, Petersburg, IL 62675, or Routt Catholic High School, 500 E. College Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650. Please visit hurleyfh.com to leave online condolences and share memories.