On January 16, 2026, at 5:10 p.m., Richard "Rick" J. Costello returned to God after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.

Rick was born on April 23, 1947, in Millville, West Virginia, to French Thomas Costello and Anna Pauline Faircloth. He was lovingly raised by his foster parents, William Franklin Bussard and Virginia Elizabeth Bussard, who played a significant role in shaping the man he would become.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Johnny Costello of North Carolina and William Costello of Colorado, and his four sisters, Betty Lou Medler of South Carolina, Wanda Lee Finley of Colorado, Joyce Ann Perry, and Mary Louise Surrett.

Rick graduated from Harpers Ferry High School on June 4, 1965. On June 25, 1966, he married Joyce Ann Martin, and together they raised three sons: Richard Jr. and twins Wesley and Charles.

Rick answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in September 1966. He proudly served during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 aboard the USS Oxford (AGTR-1).

Following his military service, Rick spent many years working in the private sector. At the age of 56, he pursued a long-held calling to public service and entered the police academy graduating in April 2003. He became a Loudoun County Sheriff's Deputy and later served with the Purcellville Police Department. Rick faithfully served the Town of Purcellville until his retirement in 2017. His passion for law enforcement was sparked through his volunteer involvement with the Citizens Police Academy, where he discovered a deep sense of purpose in serving his community.

Rick later met Patricia Bragg Pulman, with whom he shared more than 30 loving years. Patsy and her children, Charles Pulman and Kate Pulman, came to know Rick as a second father. Patsy lovingly cared for him throughout his battle with cancer and remained by his side until his passing.

Rick will be remembered for his dedication to service, his strength in the face of adversity, and his enduring love for those closest to him. His legacy lives on through his family, his years of faithful service, and the many lives he touched.

Services will be held on January 29, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, WV.

Interment will follow at Fairview Lutheran Cemetery, 1723 W. Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to funeral service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in his name to the American Cancer Society.