CHICAGO — John Joseph Costello, “Jack” was born on December 28, 1941, to Hazel and James Costello. A middle son of eight children, his brothers and sisters first sparked his deep love of family, and he often asked about his parents and siblings long after Alzheimer’s locked away more recent memories. The Costello family was where he first learned that he loved to be in the thick of it.

Jack married his great love, Rosann Manna, on an unseasonably warm January day in 1964. She was his sun and moon and he, her greatest fan. With her at his side, he could not wait to build a big, beautiful family of his own. Jack is survived by his seven children and a family that extends now like stars in the sky - Karen Purcell (late Bill), John Costello, Jr. (Kim), Michael Costello, David Costello (Stephanie), Bill Costello (Pam), Rosanne Costello Androwich, Dan Costello (Kerry) and his much loved grandchildren Ian, Sarah, Liam, Connor, Natalie, Katherine, Claire, Jack, Grace, Jamie, Erin, Evelyn, Roseanne, Leah, Emily, Sam, Elle, Ireland, Quinley, Olivia, Dylan, Olive, and Andrew.

Jack was known to also offer himself as an honorary father and grandfather to others not named here but also loved. He loved people and led with his generous and grateful heart. Somehow, without trying, he was the funniest man in any room.

Jack was a successful businessman and entrepreneur, purchasing the Forest Park News Agency in 1967, eventually expanding to Rosann’s Hallmark and other retail and real estate endeavors that provided job “opportunities” for many of his family and friends (hours and pay will not be covered here). Later in his career, Jack was hired by ABM to lead the custodial team at the Museum of Science and Industry, an assignment he turned into an adventure rivaled only by Forrest Gump. It was in this role that he joined forces with Cara Chicago, doing his part to help break the cycles of homelessness and poverty by becoming a cherished instructor in their job training programs and motivation circles. Jack taught the first “pilot” class on The Cleaning of Commercial Office Space at Cara. His students included people experiencing homelessness, prior incarceration and poverty, and he bridged every gap – whether race, privilege or circumstance, as only he could do, with a formidable mix of hard work, genuine affection for his students, and the highest of expectations. This program continues today and has enabled hundreds of otherwise underemployed people to find a footing. In 2016 Tom Owens personally presented the Thomas M. Owens Mission Award to Jack Costello for his work with Cara. Long after he lost the ability to tell his stories, the mere mention of Cara would light up his eyes, still bright with pride that he could help and inspire others. In lieu of flowers, gifts in support of the Cara mission and Jack’s legacy may be directed to the CaraCollective.org: https://caracollective.org/jack/.

A celebration of Jack Costello’s life will be held Friday, November 10, 2023, at Old Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 700 W. Adams, Chicago. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a family prayer and remarks at 9:30 followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.  Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan.  For Information:  630-968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.