Charles Costo, 92, of Dowagiac, passed away at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at his home. Charles’ life began on Oct. 16, 1917, in Gary, Ind., the son of Duko and Mar (Bilski) Kosto. He was united in marriage to Irene Baydowicz on June 25, 1941, in Michigan City, Ind.

He retired as a sheet metal worker from U.S. Steel and Tin in Gary in 1970.

Charles honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He received the EAME theater ribbon with two bronze stars, a good conduct medal and a victory medal for World War II.

Charles was on the dean’s list at Indiana University, where he graduated with honors.
His loving family includes: his wife of 68 years, Irene Costo of Dowagiac; their daughters, Charlene C. (Daniel J.) Dyman of Elkhart, Ind., and Charmaine C. (Preston H.) Ligocki of Alabama; four grandchildren, Shellie A., Therese A., Melissa R. and Charles R.; three great-grandchildren, John, Hilary and Perrin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Natalie Binkley, his brother Louis Kosto and his granddaughter Hilary A. Dyman.

Private services will be held at a later date. Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving the Costo family.  Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Charles at www.yazel-clark.com.