George R. Costis
Norfolk - George Robert Costis, 80, passed quietly away in his home on Sunday, March 20, 2016, joining our mom in heaven after just one month.
Dad was proud to be born and raised in Norfolk, and was the oldest son of Gus George Costis and Margie Pollard Costis. He graduated from Maury High School in 1953 and attended the Norfolk Division of The College of William in Mary. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Upon his discharge, he became a lifelong Hokie when he completed his education at Virginia Tech, graduating in 1961. He spent most of his career as an Industrial Engineer at NAVFAC, traveling to every Naval installation in the world at one time or another. He happily retired in April of 1995, never again wearing a watch because, as he said, every hour is quitting time and every day is Saturday when you're retired.
He was welcomed into the Catholic faith as an adult, and was fortunate to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion on the same day as our sister, Margie. From that day, he was a devoted and active member of Christ the King Church and he lived his faith every day. He was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Chairman of the Finance Council, served on the CTK Parish Council, and was a founding member of the CFM at Christ the King.
Dad was a Fourth Degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 367, and served his Council home generously and faithfully for more than 40 years.
Our dad never met a stranger, and all were welcome in his home. He was extraordinarily generous with his time and his love, never asking who or why, merely, "how can I help." In addition to the four of us, there were numerous others who thought of our dad as their dad. He was incredibly loving, thoughtful, generous, and wise. He never steered us wrong, and he never once gave us bad advice. His love was without measure, and he will be sorely missed.
In addition to our mom, Anne Elizabeth Slye Costis, dad was predeceased by his parents, Gus George Costis and Margie Pollard Costis. He is survived by his four daughters and their families: Margie Costis and her wife, Debbie DeBord; Catherine Costis Goeke and her children, Meg, Bridget, and Jimmy; Patricia Costis, her husband, Liam O'Shea, and their children, Fiona, Annie, and Molly; and Lynn Costis Lees, her husband, Rusty, and their son, Carter John. Dad is also survived by his brother, William W. Costis, his wife, Cherry, and their children, Susan White (Ed), Tom Costis (Priscilla), and Mark Costis (Abigayle), as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends beginning at 6 P.M. Tuesday, March 29, 2016 followed by a Fourth Degree Chalice Ceremony at 7 pm in the Norfolk Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. A Joyful Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at Christ the King Church, 3401 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk. Burial with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. All are welcome to gather after dad's burial at The Algonquin House, 7320 Glenroie Avenue, Norfolk. Online condolences may be offered to the family through hdoliver.com.
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