Thomas Costello

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Costello, a cherished resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, who departed this life on June 20, 2025. A proud American, Thomas exemplified dedication and honor during his service in the United States Army, where he was one of the first inaugural soldiers to serve in the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a responsibility he held with distinction for two years.

Thomas was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Dera, and an adoring grandfather to Matthew Thomas Bowling. He embraced his role as a stepfather with great love, caring deeply for Carol Davis, and Roy G. Bowling, Jr. of Palm Beach, Florida. A cherished brother to Mary Patricia (Edward George) Malone, he was also a beloved uncle to his numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. His friendship with John Aildasani was remarkable; what began as a bond of camaraderie blossomed into a treasured family connection. He also had an unwavering connection with his long aides especially Anna Moore. Thomas also had strong beliefs and values in his faith ; he was a affulent parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church.

He is preceded in death by his stepson, Martin Eugene Bowling—a loss that echoes through the lives of those who knew and loved them both.

Thomas was not only celebrated for his military service, but he was also a pioneering entrepreneur. Alongside his partner John Voelker, he co-founded Multi Color Corporation, which grew to become one of the world's largest printing enterprises. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by his deep reverence for history. Among his many distinguished moments, he proudly stood beside President Eisenhower's casket, a testament to his steadfast dedication to his country.

In a heartfelt return to Washington, D.C., Thomas reunited with the very soldiers he once stood with, reliving the pride of his past. His name, etched on the plaque of those who served, led to a tour filled with honor and respect, as he and his wife were escorted in limousine to the nation's revered monuments and The White House itself.

Following his military career, Thomas pursued higher education at Boston University, where he joined the hockey team and represented the United States at the Olympics, earning a bronze medal in the sport he loved. His passion for athletics extended into golf, where he held the esteemed position of president at the Maketewah Country Club, forging lasting connections with legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Johnny Unitas.

The legacy of Thomas Costello is marked not only by his extraordinary accomplishments but also by the profound love he held for his family—his wife and grandson among his greatest treasures. The memories he has woven into the hearts of all those who knew him will resonate through time, a testament to a life well-lived, filled with honor, humility, and unwavering love.

He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends alike.

In honour of Thomas's grandson Matt, the family is asking for donations to be made to www.autismcincy.org to support indiviuals who have austism a cause that was so very important to Thomas.