It is with broken hearts that we announce the death of Lawrence Robert Costello (Robb "with 2 Bs because with 1 B it’s a just a verb") of Fredericton, New Brunswick. Robb died August 10, 2018 in the line of duty doing what he loved as a member of the Fredericton Police Force.
Robb is survived by his beloved spouse Jackie McLean, daughters; Kassie and Kaitlyn, step-children; Zach and Katie, mother Dolores Francis, Aunt Marilyn Stout, Uncle Gary Costello (Bonnie) step-siblings; Kristopher Francis (Tracey), Sara Wright (Steve), Brother-Cousin Shawn DeBow and Cousins; Laura Lazaridis (Tasso) Kelly Thibodeau (Dave), Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, Wayne Costello and several members of the Leslie family; Agnes Roche (Real Couillard), Stephen Leslie, Judith Ann Leslie, Allison Reid Leslie (Irena) and Jean MacKenzie (Andy) as well as many Leslie cousins. He was pre-deceased by his Nanny Peggy, his Aunt and Uncle Bernice and Jack Fitzpatrick, Uncle Wayne Costello and Uncle Eugene Stout, Uncle Frank Leslie and Uncle Percy Leslie.
Robb was born in Saint John in 1973 and spent his school years in Sussex New Brunswick. Growing up, Robb was an active basketball player. Robb’s original career plans had been engineering but after a short stint at UNB Saint John he realized that it was not for him. Robb started his family in the Miramichi area where he did some security work and developed an interest in policing. He was away at the police academy while his first daughter (Kassie) was an infant. He joined the Fredericton Police Force immediately after finishing the academy. His daughter Kaitlyn was born in Fredericton and Robb had a strong connection to the city he served. He was involved in the community and taught catechism and served on boards and committees with figure skating.
Robb loved sports (Go Notre Dame!) and he loved his family. He was so proud of both his girls and the women they were becoming. To his step-children he was known as "Faux Pa" and he loved them like they were his own.
Robb loved being a police officer. He spent time in specialized units but eagerly went back to patrol, his true love. He was often heard to say he was a "CFL" - Constable for life. He loved the people, he loved the variety of calls, but mostly he loved being able to deescalate an escalating situation. There is no doubt that he responded eagerly and willingly to that last call.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Cst. Sara Burns who like Robb, rushed to help civilians in trouble. To the families of those civilians, we are all so sorry for your loss.
We are also so grateful for the outpouring of support from the law enforcement community. We know that you are sharing this loss with us and know that you are grieving like we are, yet you find the strength and time to reach out to all of us and support us. Thank you so much.
To the members of the greater community of Fredericton, New Brunswick and Canada we can feel your support and your shared grief. Know that your support has held us up through this hard time. Thank you so much for taking the time to send messages and tributes. It means the world to all of us.
Visitation will be held at the Fredericton Convention Centre 670 Queen Street, Fredericton on Thursday, August 16th, 2018 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. The Regimental Funeral Service will be held at the Aitken Center 20 MacKay Dr, Fredericton on Saturday, August 18th, 2018 at 1:00 PM. A private Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Saint John at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robb’s name to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Police & Peace Officers’ Memorial Ribbon Society.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bishop’s Funeral Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton (458-1885). Online condolences and the sharing of memories may be expressed through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com
"And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me." (Isaiah 6:8)
