Obituary of Herman Del Costello

Herman Del Costello, 85, of Gloversville, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, October 14 at Nathan Littauer Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 19, 1924 in Amsterdam, NY the son of the late Serafina Frescura and Michael Del Costello. He served in the United States Army during WWII. He was in the European Theatre of Operation. Herman took part in two invasions and was awarded six battle stars. He was honorably discharged. As a result of serving his country at an early age, he was awarded his high school diploma in 2002 by the New York State Department of Education. He married the former Theresa Clemente October, 24, 1948. Herman worked as a unionized meat cutter at the former Acme Markets for eighteen years. He was the co-owner of Carmen's Market, later becoming sole owner. He was also involved in estate sales within the community along with his wife, Theresa and her family. Mr. Del Costello served as election inspector for the Fulton County Board of Elections from 1996 to 2009. Mr. Del Costello was committed to his Catholic faith and was an avid parishioner of the former St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church now the Church of the Holy Spirit. Herman was a current member of the Catholic War Veterans and also the Holy Name Society of the Church of the Holy Spirit, of which he served as past president. He also served as chairman of the annual Ziti Dinner and Mother's Day Breakfast. Herman had a passion for gardening and provided the fruits of his labor- his vegetables, plants and flowers- to friends and family members. He loved to cook and especially enjoyed family gatherings. Herman was always involved with catering and worked very hard to serve the public. He loved to bird watch and was an avid Yankees fan. He was a loving, caring, patient husband, father, grandfather and brother. He took great pride in his family. Herman was a true gentleman of the greatest generation. He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-one years, Theresa Clemente Del Costello; his twin children, son Steven Del Costello of Gloversville and daughter Susan Fahd Charles II of Massena, NY; five grandchildren: Brea, Torey, Meaghan, Jonathan and Francesca and one brother, Carmen Del Costello of Amsterdam. Herman was predeceased by five brothers: Frank "Cheech", James, Albert, Michael and Dominick and three sisters: Antoinette Da Biere, Lena Del Costello and infant Carmella. Friends and family are invited and may call Friday, October 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. The Holy Name Society will perform a ritual at 5:30 p.m. and the Catholic War Veterans will hold their ritual at 6 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home Saturday, October 17 at 9:15 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Gloversville with the Very Reverend Donald Czelusniak as celebrant. Interment will immediately follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Johnstown with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herman's memory to the American Heart Association 440 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205, Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave. Gloversville, 12078 or to the Church of the Holy Spirit, 149 South Main Street Gloversville, NY 12078.