In Memoriam: Bruce Costello
Bruce Costello, a painter in Facilities Services for more than a decade, died on January 25, 2026, at the age of 72 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was a well-known local musician who performed across the state, including at Middlebury College.
Costello began working at the College in April 2008 as a painter and continued in that role until his retirement in October 2018. He later returned on a contract basis for painting projects requiring a high level of expertise and attention to detail. Mike Moser, associate vice president for operations, called Costello a pleasure to work with and a “master of his craft as a painter.”
“Bruce was such a sweet man,” Moser said. “He was always pleasant in any setting. Last fall, I ran into him in McCardell Bicentennial Hall while he was working for us as a contract painter, and the conversation picked up easily where we had left off. I’ll miss him dearly.”
Born in Middlebury in 1953, Costello attended local schools, graduating from Middlebury Union High School in 1971. Music was a constant throughout his life, as he played in bands across New England as a professional keyboard player known for his trademark Hammond B3 organ sound. In the early 1980s, Costello toured with the band Katonah, opening for rock legends the Doobie Brothers, Foghat, Peter Tork of the Monkees, the Association, and the Joe Perry Project. He was also a fixture in Vermont’s music scene, performing in clubs and venues across the state, including Tavern on the Tee at Ralph Myhre Golf Course, where he also enjoyed playing golf.
“Bruce was a very upbeat, vivacious person whose passion for his music and golf game came out whenever you would strike up a conversation on either of those topics,” said Kris Kelton, a supervisor in carpentry, paint, and locks. “He was also very humble, easygoing, and a very kind man. All the guys enjoyed his visits to the shop where we could catch up with him. His presence will be missed.”
Costello is survived by his wife of 29 years, Valerie (Dayton), a graphic designer in the Office of Communications and Marketing; daughters Andrea Costello of Weymouth, Massachusetts, and Shannon Edson (Justin) of Forestdale, Vermont; sons Adam Popp (Becky) of Crawfordville, Florida, and Paul Wildey (Lindsay) of Tallahassee, Florida; granddaughters Willa Edson, Emma Wildey, Zoey Mitchell, and Briannah Carter; grandsons Kingston Popp, Gavin Mitchell, Phoenix Popp, Mattix Popp, and Paul Wildey Jr.; and great-grandson Lucas Carter-Mikell.
A memorial service will be held Friday, February 6, at Middlebury Chapel, with a reception to follow at the Middlebury American Legion Post No. 27, where Costello was a member for more than 30 years. Online condolences may be shared at sandersonfuneralservice.com.