Rita R. (Ruel) Costello

Rita R. Costello, age 87, of Chicopee and a former resident at East Village Place, East Longmeadow, Mass., died Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Agawam East Rehab and Nursing after a long illness.  Rita was born in Holyoke, MA, on March 27, 1938, to the late Raymond and Rita Ruel.  She graduated from Rosary High School and worked in the banking industry for over 35 years at Community Savings Bank and Salem Five Mortgage Company.  Later on in life, Rita took the civil service exam which enabled her to become a secretary in the Chicopee Public Schools from which she retired in 2004.  Rita enjoyed spending time with her husband of 57 years, William “Billy” Costello, who predeceased her.  They loved traveling,  going to dances, playing cards with friends, and just spending time together.  Rita was also an avid reader as well as enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafting, and gardening.  She was a volunteer and member of the RiverMills Chicopee Senior Center where she also received the Outstanding Community Volunteer Award in 2017.  She enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren who brought joy to her life.  Rita leaves her daughter, Kathleen DiFederico and husband Gary, of Enfield, CT, son, Kevin Costello and wife, Christine, of Agawam, MA, five grandchildren, Leanne (Jake), Brian (Megan), Carl (Hadi), Meghan (Brandon), and Michael (Ashley).  She also leaves three great grandsons Colton, Calvin, and Everett.  Rita also leaves behind her sister and brother in law Helene and Bob Morin of Belchertown, MA, sister Doris Longpre of South Hadley, MA, sister and brother in law Donna and Gene Demarais of Tennessee, and brothers Roger and David Polaski as well as many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, Rita was predeceased by her brother Robert Ruel, sisters and brothers in law Anita and Jocko Barrett, Jackie and Charlie Coffey and brother in law Donald Longpre.  The burial was private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

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