December 8, 2009
I feel really saddened to learn of Tim Costello’s death. I remember him fondly from the days when he was my union rep at SEIU, Local 285. He led our negotiations with the City of Boston. He did a very good job of that, too. He also handled the latter stages of a long upgrade fight that I and a friend and coworker had with the City. Afterwards, I read of his exploits (all the books, in particular) but didn’t see him again until last year, when I attended a China Labor Group meeting Tim was chairing. After all those years, he reembered me! I had no trouble remembering him, either. He hadn’t changed at all, at least not in appearance. Not in his quiet and calm friendliness, either. I remember him, now and always, as a very regular, down-to-earth, good union guy. Tim was doing tremendously important work. It’s vital for the working people of the world to develop ways of confronting Capital together. We made great strides in that direction, thanks to Tim. He will be sorely missed. I know I miss him.
With deepest sympathy,
Greg King
SEIU, Local 888
(formerly 285),
rank-and-file member