William P. "Billy" Costello passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. He was 80 years of age. Born in Melrose to the late John J. & Winifred Costello, he was raised in Melrose, graduated from St. Mary's Grammar School and Malden Catholic High School. After high school he entered the war and served with the US Army during WWII. Billy worked for the City of Melrose for 40 years in the parks department, many of those years as superintendent of Parks & Mt. Hood Golf Course. Mr. Costello was known for plowing Ell Pond in the winter to make hockey rinks, plowing & flooding the Mt. Hood Ponds for ice skating, turning on the golf course sprinklers at 3AM and was instrumental in the building of Morelli Baseball Field. Billy was a lifelong resident of Melrose who moved to North Reading 4 years ago. He was a member of the VFW Harold O'Young Post #2394, was an avid Bruins fan and season ticket holder for many years, enjoyed walking Revere Beach and traveled to Toronto, Canada every year for 28 years. Billy also loved his volunteer job driving the handicap children's van for the Melrose YMCA. Beloved companion of 40 years to Phyllis M. Wells of N Reading. Devoted brother of Ed "Bo" Costello & his wife Lelah of Melrose and the late John E. Costello. Uncle of Kathleen Costello of Melrose, Michael Costello of NH, Carol Costello of AZ and Anne Hickey of CO. Also survived by several grandnieces & a grandnephew. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Sat. Jan 24th at 8AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 9AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Friday 5:00-8:00PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. WWII Army Veteran & Retired Melrose Parks Supt. Memorial contributions may be made to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, 585 Lebanon St. Melrose 02176.