Bob Costello
Robert "Bob" Costello (May 13, 1954 – November 28, 2024) was an American Libertarian activist, investment advisor, and advocate for free-market principles. He was a co-founder of the Libertarian Party Radical Caucus (1979) and worked with various pro-liberty organizations throughout his career.
| Bob Costello | |
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| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | May 13, 1954 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Death: | November 28, 2024 Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Education: | George Washington University (BA, 1976), Roosevelt University (MA, 2007) |
| Occupation: | Libertarian activist, investment advisor |
| Party: | Libertarian |
Biography
Early Life and Education
Bob Costello was born on May 13, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Thomas and Jane (McDonnell) Costello. He grew up in a large Irish Catholic family and attended DeSmet Jesuit High School, graduating in 1972. Costello earned a bachelor's degree in economics from George Washington University in 1976 and later completed a master's degree in accounting from Roosevelt University in 2007.
Career
Costello's professional career spanned over three decades in the investment sector, where he worked for firms such as LaSalle/Exchange Bank/ABN AMRO, R.W. Baird, and First Tennessee, among others. In his later years, he served as Managing Director at Sierra Summit Advisors.
Throughout his life, Costello remained committed to advancing free-market and libertarian values. He founded Americans for Limited Terms, which later became Americans for Limited Government, and worked with organizations such as the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, the Sam Adams Alliance, and SocialSecurity.org. He also served on the board of Wyoming Catholic College, where he was named Board Member Emeritus in 2024.
Libertarian Activism
In the late 1970s, Costello became a prominent figure in the Libertarian movement. He co-founded the Libertarian Party Radical Caucus (1979) and worked on numerous projects, including the 1979 campaign against the reinstatement of draft registration. As State Director of the Libertarian Party of California, Costello organized rallies and campaigns that advanced the party's platform.
Personal Life
Costello married Suzanne Boczek in 1976. The couple had three children—Cary, Sarah, and Devin—and two grandsons, Louie and Bobby. He was known for his deep Catholic faith, love of travel, and passion for learning. He frequently participated in spirited discussions on politics and history and was an active member of a book club for over 20 years.
Legacy
Bob Costello's contributions to the Libertarian movement and his advocacy for liberty and free-market principles left a lasting impact. In his honor, Wyoming Catholic College established the "Robert K. Costello ‘Happy Warrior’ Endowed Scholarship Fund," awarded annually to a student who exemplifies critical thinking and civil discourse.
Organizational Positions
- Founder
References
- Obituary
- Eric Garris, "Bob Costello: Farewell to My Dear Old Friend," Antiwar.com, January 6, 2025.