William "Billy" D. Costello, Jr.

William "Billy" D. Costello, 55 of Furnace Street, Kingston, New York, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston. Born on April 10, 1956, in Kingston, New York; a son of William Costello and Dolores Costello of Kingston.




Billy was a graduate of Kingston High School where he pitched and played third base. He was active in the Boy Scouts. Billy entered the boxing field being trained by his father, and in 1978, he won the 135 lb New York Golden Gloves Open Championship. Representing New York in 1978, Billy went on to win the 139 lb. Intercity Golden Gloves championship against Paul Williams of Chicago. Billy was determined to go further and with hard work and determination, as a professional boxer, on January 29, 1984, Billy won the WBC light welterweight title against Bruce Curry.


After retiring from boxing, Billy worked as a building and road contractor. Because of Billy's passion to help children, he devoted time to mentoring and teaching the sport of boxing to youth. Throughout the years, he was awarded numerous awards for his accomplishments and time to the community. On November 18, 2004, Billy was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. He served as the volunteer director of Kingston PAL Boxing Club in Kingston, NY. Additionally, Billy continued in pro boxing as a professional boxing judge and referee in New York State. He was involved in holding boxing shows at the Billy Costello Boxing Gym in Kingston.




In 2009, the King's Kids honored him with their Heroes in our Backyard award for his untiring work with youth. On March 20, 2011, the city of Kingston announced "May 18th" as Billy Costello Day.






We gather today to celebrate the life of a man that gave so many of us countless moments and memories full of joy, pride, laughter, and triumph. He would greet you with a mischievous child's twinkle in his eye, gold teeth sparkling and usually a wise crack at the tip of his tongue. He was more than just "The Champ" in the boxing ring; he was the champion of our hearts. He was the dream come true, the impossible goal reached and the unbeatable challenge conquered. But more importantly, he was a doting father, a loving son, a caring brother who was the epitome of leading by example. He was a protective uncle, a trusting friend, a loyal companion, and devoted family man. Billy was a champion and hero to his community, a role model to those who shared his meager beginnings and a brave and valiant warrior against his affliction. He was an inspiration to us all, in and out of the ring.




He showed us that where you come from does not dictate where you are going. Billy was far from perfect. He was flaw like all of us. As stubborn and immovable on any issue as they come.but you had to respect him for standing his ground. He may say the right thing at the wrong time.but you had to appreciate his honesty. He may do the wrong thing for the right reasons.but you had to applaud his commitment. He could be very candid and abrasive.but if he felt he wronged or hurt you, you would get a phone call or a private chat, eye-to-eye, and a sincere heartfelt apology. If he felt that a misunderstanding took a turn for the worst, he would privately clarify his position and intent. He didn't like tasks left undone or words left unsaid, and because of that, you pretty much always knew where you stood with him. His heart was bottomless and his charity was endless. He was a momma's boy whose body embodied his father's spirit. He was the product of hard work, dedication, discipline and application. He wasn't a quick study, but he would leave no essential lesson unlearned. He was a joy to talk to. Just being in his presence was a delight. You almost felt lucky and privileged to have his attention. When he held court, nonstop smiles and laughter was generally the theme. One could go on for days listing the good deeds, favors, charity, and acts of generosity because everyone who came in contact with him has a story, anecdote, or example of how he's impacted their lives. We all know of his list of accomplishments, but it was who he was as a person in private moments that clarified and made him who he is to us all.




We, the family, love him and will miss him dearly but we know that all of you, namely the citizens and natives of Kingston, New York, share in these feelings because he was ALL of ours. He belonged to YOU as well. He was OUR champion.




Billy was predeceased by a sister, Theresa Costello of California and two brothers, George and John Costello. He leaves to mourn his passing; two children, Christine and Brandon Costello of Kingston NY; two sisters, Vicky Costello and Tammy Moody (Stephone) of Georgia; five brothers: Stephen (Jennifer), Vincent, Tony, Glenn, and William all of Kingston NY; a brother-in law Benny Kogan of California. In addition he leaves a loving and caring host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends to cherish his memory.