Robert Alan Costelo

It is with great sadness that the Costelo family announces the sudden passing of our loving father, Robert  Alan Costelo age 63, of Cape North, on November 15, 2024. While aboard the CCGS Kopit Hopson 1752,  he passed peacefully while steaming past the coastline of Cape Breton as he has done hundreds of times  before. Between his love for the Coast Guard and the Sea, his family could not have asked for a more  idyllic passing.
Born on December 27, 1960, Robert is survived by his loving children Ryan (Shannon), Tristan (Jess), Liam  (Jacklyn), Julia (Mike) and Aidan, siblings Michael (Kathy), Jenny, and Debbie (Carl), In-laws Ann and  Allister Morrison and family, his grandchildren Cian, Penny, Casey (Ryan and Shannon), Quinn, Watson,  Willow (Tristan and Jess), and Finley (Liam and Jacklyn) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert is predeceased by his wife Barbara Costelo, parents Mary and John Costelo, his aunt Jane Bucior,  sister-in-law Bonita Wilkie and nephew Cory Morrison.  
Robert’s love for the sea started at a very early age. Growing up close to the Halifax Harbour, he could  often be found fishing for mackerel on the docks. He eventually got invited onto the many ships that  visited the port where he listened to the crew’s stories of sailing the world. When his mother purchased  the family cottage in Martin’s River, you couldn’t keep him off the water. In his early teens, he managed  to convince the bank to extend him a loan to buy his first boat and outboard motor! He spent all his free  time travelling and fishing the waters of Mahone Bay in that boat, often camping overnight on many  islands. Robert was a competent boy scout, as well as an altar boy with the Anglican Church. He was  passionate about basketball and played on many neighborhood and school teams growing up.
Rob graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School in 1979, before going on to receive a business degree  from St. Mary’s University, as well as a certificate from the Atlantic School of Theology. Rob met the love  of his life Barb, and later married her on July 31, 1993. The two of them spent some time in New  Brunswick before deciding to move to Barb’s hometown in Cape North. Rob worked numerous jobs  within the community, with his favorite being running the family restaurant, Morrison’s, with his wife by  his side. After many years, Rob returned to the job he loved most, the Canadian Coast Guard. Rob served  16 years in the Coast Guard before he passed, the majority of which was spent on his favorite ship; The  CCGS Hudson. Rob was well known within the fleet for his humor, generosity, knowledge of the ocean  but most importantly, as a reliable sailor.  
Even though Rob was not from Cape North, it quickly became his home. He was a well-respected, loved  member in the community and was very active with the Aspy Bay United Church.  
Rob will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Coast Guard community.  
Rob’s family would like to thank Capt. London, and the entire crew aboard the CCGS Kopit Hopson 1752 and his Coast Guard work family for all their kindness and direction during this difficult time.
In Rob’s memory please consider donating blood to the Canadian Blood Services or making a donation to  the Aspy Bay United Church.  
Visitation will be held at the United Church Hall in Cape North on November 25, from 3pm-6pm.
Funeral service will be held at the Aspy Bay United Church on November 26that 11:30am. Please join the  family afterwards at the United Church Hall for a reception.
If there is a sandbar in heaven, rest assured Rob is sitting in his beach chair with his wife Barb by his side  as they catch up over a drink, while watching the sunset over their beloved Sugar Loaf Mountains.
Fair winds and following seas, Dad, we will miss you greatly.

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