Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Developer Anthony Costello Has Died

The Costello Group

Well-known area real estate developer Anthony Costello has died at the age of 78.

His company, Costello Group, confirmed his death in statement issued Monday saying that "Anthony J. Costello defined the entrepreneurial spirit that is Rochester. " The statement said that Costello "turned a gifted vision into successful real estate, aviation and publishing companies that will leave a lasting legacy on the Rochester skyline."

Costello's companies and projects included  USAirports, the Reserve on the Erie Canal, CityGate and Clinton Crossings.  The company's statement says that Costello "loved Rochester and bolstering its economy by creating jobs and improving the overall quality of life. He was one of Rochester's great visionaries and entrepreneurs."

CityGate was one of the most recent major projects and it brought Costco to open up a store in Rochester. His son Brett took over day to day operations of the company in 2013.

Costello and his wife have three other children. Funeral arrangements have not been announced yet. 

Mayor Lovely Warren issued this statement:

"Anthony Costello was one of those rare individuals who could see the potential in something that others might never see.  Anthony looked at the former Iola Campus, which was comprised of the remnants of our community's old tuberculosis sanitarium, and where others saw dilapidated buildings and decay, he saw a gleaming new 'gateway' to our city.  His City Gate development is a testament to his vision and the jobs and housing opportunities this vibrant project are creating will be his legacy to the community he loved.  Rochester is poorer today with the passing of Anthony Costello but it is important to note how much richer our city is for his life and all he accomplished.  My thoughts and prayers are with Anthony and the Costello family as we offer our deepest condolences from City Hall on his passing."  

Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo released this statement:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Anthony J. Costello.  As Chairman and CEO of Anthony J. Costello & Son Development, his vision for the future of our community will have a lasting and meaningful impact through the success of his many projects including CityGate. Anthony was a true friend to this community and he will be missed by all who knew him.  On behalf of our entire community, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the Costello family -- know that we will continue to embrace his vision for Rochester and work to build a brighter future.”          

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.