Ben B. Costello

Ben B. Costello, 84, of Clinton, a former resident and businessman of the Leavenworth area, died Wednesday evening, Nov. 2, 2005 at his home.

He was born on Aug. 31, 1921 in Seattle and in 1925 the family moved to the Black Diamond area.

Ben and his parents, Doc and Ethel (Robinson) Costello moved to Leavenworth in 1930, where Ben received his education and played basketball. He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1940.

On Feb. 3, 1940 he married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte Buzard, at North Bend and they made their first home in Leavenworth. In the fall of 1940 they moved to Seattle.

During World War II, Ben served in the Merchant Marines and following his honorable discharge in 1945 he returned to Charlotte and Seattle.

Ben worked in real estate and he opened the Secoma Realty in south Seattle where he was active in its development.

In the mid 1970s he and Charlotte divided their time between Seattle and Leavenworth.

While in Leavenworth, they became involved in several building projects in the Cascade Orchard area as well as commercial development when they opened the Appleland Harvest.

In 1987 they moved to Clinton to make their home.

He is survived by his son, Gary Costello of Seattle; his companion, Nancy Mathews of Clinton; granddaughter, Shelly Kohr and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Devin Kohr. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Charlotte in 1999, and a brother, Daniel Costello.

A funeral service of commemoration to celebrate his life will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 in the Ward’s Funeral Chapel, with David Lane officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery.

Those wishing to make visitation, may call at the Ward’s Funeral Chapel, from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18.

Ward’s Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, is in charge of the arrangements.