Costello, John Paul, D.D.S.
July 22, 1930 - February 27, 2013
John Paul Costello, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Sacramento on February 27, 2013 after a brief illness. John is survived by his wife, Sonja of 59 years; brother, Daniel Costello (Sara); son, John Costello (Ruma), Daughters Kitty Costello, Cynthia Harry (Thomas), Colleen Harrison (Ray) and Mary Allison (Shane) as well as loving grandchildren. Claire and Max Lehman, Rachael and Camille Harry, Elizabeth and Abigail Harrison, and Wade and Samuel Allison. He was preceded in death by sisters, Jean Costello and Marjorie Smith (Robert). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, several of whom have expressed fond memories of childhood vacations with Uncle John at rivers and lakes around the country. He was born in Menasha, Wisconsin to Dr. Lloyd and Katherine Costello. He attended Ripon College and the University of Wisconsin for undergraduate studies and subsequently graduated from Marquette University Dental School in Milwaukee in 1954. He interned at Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco before going to France for 2 years of Military Service. While there he and Sonja travelled extensively throughout Europe with 2 toddlers in tow. They settled in Sacramento and had three more children where John practiced Dentistry for 32 years. He was an exacting person, took pride in his work but loved his hobbies which included performing magic, hunting, fishing, camping and riding horses. He became a rancher in retirement and loved to take his children and friends on trail rides and camping in Desolation Wilderness. As a boy he was the youngest member of the Houdini Club. He belonged to the Reno Sierra Riders, Sierra Trail Blazers, the Kit Carson Mountain Men and the Sacramento Horsemen's Association. His more mainstream affiliations included the Elks Lodge No. 6 (past Exalted Ruler), Sutterville Heights Optimist Club (past President), Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Chapter 4443 and devoted parishioner of Holy Spirit Church. He spoke 3 languages and would try his hand at almost anything including parasailing in Mazatlan and rafting the Grand Canyon. He never had a boring day in his life. Sonja was the love of his life, his partner in all grand schemes, wild vacations and life challenges. He expected much of himself and those who were close to him. His family will miss him deeply. The family wishes to thank Asbury Park Nursing facility, Green Valley Hospice and his many kind and attentive physicians. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Spirit School Foundation or a charity of choice . Viewing will be Thursday March 7th at 5 pm with Rosary to follow at 7 pm at George L. Klumpp Funeral Home, 2691 Riverside Blvd. in Sacramento. Funeral will be Friday, March 8th at 11 am at Holy Spirit Church, 3159 Land Park Dr. in Sacramento with the burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, 6700 21st Ave. Following burial, there will be a reception for our friends and family at the Le Rivage Hotel on the river located at 4800 Riverside Blvd in Sacramento.