Michael Wright Costello

Michael Wright Costello has departed his earthly life to return back to his heavenly home. He spent his final days surrounded by his wife and children. Happy memories were shared, songs were sung, and love filled the room . Michael “Mike” was born October 19, 1950 to Marshall Wilson Costello and Margaret Wright Costello at Santa Monica Hospital in California. He passed away peacefully at the age of 72 at University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 21, 2023. He is survived by his devoted wife Wendy Eugenia Jordan Costello and his loving children, Marie Elizabeth Reynolds, David Glen Costello, and James Marshall Costello. He also leaves behind his sister, Susan Carol Callister and his brother Glen Crawford Costello, as well as his beloved grandchildren: Jacob, Jared, and Maya Sewak; Consuelo “Cello” and Cadence Costello; Charles and Penelope Costello. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Charles “Chuck” John Dawson and William “Bill” Allen Dawson. Mike was raised in Los Angeles, specifically Mar Vista, where he enjoyed surfing and was part of the scene that pioneered skateboarding. Mike played baseball in his youth and often boasted about his record of hitting the most home runs in his little league. He also began playing piano at an early age. After graduating from Venice High School in 1968, he attended a piano class at Santa Monica College where, recognized by professors for his talent, he was exclusively referred to his musical mentor, world class concert pianist Mrs. Eva Naiditch Cooper, whom he revered until death. He thrived under her tutelage, refining his craft and further forging his passion for piano, which was one of his foremost defining characteristics throughout his life. He was also known for his generosity and his excellent, unique sense of humor. In 1970, Michael served a full time Spanish-speaking mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Mexico City mission. Upon his return he resumed his studies at Santa Monica College, emphasizing in Spanish and in Music (specifically piano), deepening his love for music theory, composition, and performance. Michael achieved his Journeyman status as a painter in the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. During that time he met and married Nancy Lee Kirsch on January 31st, 1976 and together they had a son, David Glen. Michael also started a painting business along with his brother Glen in the Los Angeles area. He also enjoyed teaching piano at the Girls Club in West Los Angeles and to various interested students throughout his life, often for free. After divorce, Michael later met Wendy Reynolds, who chased him until he caught her. He became a father again to Marie Elizabeth (from Wendy’s first marriage) when he and Wendy married in the Los Angeles Temple on April 19, 1986. Nine months and two days later, their son James Marshall was born. A year after that, Michael, Wendy, Elizabeth, and David were sealed together as an Eternal family in the same temple. At age 38, Mike returned to college on scholarship to earn a degree from the UCLA-SMC School of Respiratory Therapy. He practiced as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the greater Los Angeles area for the remainder of his working years. He was passionate about patient care and the physiology of the human body. Mike and Wendy moved from Santa Monica in 2015 to Westhaven, UT after Wendy retired. Michael immediately noticed and enjoyed the friendliness of people in his church and neighborhood. Within a year he and Wendy purchased their first house together in Roy, UT. As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ, Michael served the Lord in many capacities. In addition to his mission, he served as Stake Young Men’s secretary, Primary Pianist, Physical Facilities Representative, Primary Teacher, and High Priest Group Secretary. What’s more, he had a gift for taking those who were overlooked under his wing, spending much time with them and offering genuine friendship. Michael also served as a temple ordinance worker for 8 years in the Los Angeles temple, and then for 2 years in the Ogden temple until health issues prevented continuing his service. Michael’s devotion to music ran deep. From writing surf diddies as a preteen, leading a garage band in his teens, singing in various choirs, performing piano pieces, accompanying musicians, composing prolifically, teaching music to anyone who was interested, and passing his love for music down to his children, he truly magnified his God-given musical talent. Even after losing most of the function of his left hand later in life, Michael continued to play the piano by adapting pieces of music to single base notes, or inviting James to play the left hand for him. Music was indeed his first language and his last. In accordance with his final wishes, Michael was cremated, which was handled by Serenity Funeral Home of Bluffdale, Utah on September 25, 2023. In true Mike Costello fashion, the plaque on his urn reads, “A Composer, Decomposing.” A memorial service will be held in his honor on November 4th, with a reception at 3pm followed by a service at 3:30pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3649 West 4800 South in Roy, Utah 84067-8822. Though not requested, any flower donations wished to be made can be sent or brought to the same address on the date of the service.

Michael Wright Costello

October 19, 1950 - September 21, 2023