Robert Joseph Costello traveled to Belize to celebrate his 80th birthday surrounded by three of his greatest loves: Family, lifelong friends and the Caribbean Sea. He passed away on February 6 of complications from COVID-19, but leaves behind a rich and lasting legacy as adventurer, educator, father and grandfather, and friend to many.Bob was born on January 13, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to Joseph J Costello, a New York City firefighter, and Florence H Johnson, a homemaker. His life forever changed in August 1968 when he hopped into his friend Matt’s Chevrolet Camaro and they drove cross-country to visit the University of Texas at Austin, which offered a program in the evolving field of educational psychology. Bob had no prior experience in the field, but was accepted to the program based on one interview with a professor, and finished his PhD in a year and a half. In ensuing years, Bob became an influential voice in Dallas schools, working in various research and administrative roles, and mentoring younger generations of educators. But Bob’s astonishingly broad range of interests and friendships led him to a variety of other endeavors throughout his life, far too many to list here. To cite just one example, after striking up a friendship with the renowned oncologist Carl Simonton, Bob contributed ideas to his more holistic approach to cancer recovery, which included elements like psychotherapy, play and lifestyle changes that later became part of mainstream medical thinking. Bob loved work, believed it was important, and did so until the final year of his life.      That said, it is no exaggeration to say that Bob took the most joy in sharing good times with family and friends. He was approachable, good-humored and a master conversationalist. He lived for several years in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, where he nurtured a love for flying kites, scuba diving and enjoying the ocean. In later years, he took great pride and enjoyment in raising his son Joseph Costello, 34 of Mabank, Texas, and taking him to destinations all over the Caribbean. Bob was a passionate and involved grandfather to Ashton and Sadie, seeing them, Joe and Hailey almost every week at places like Barbecs and Dream Cafe and passing along his wisdom and experiences to a new generation. He loved his younger sister Marion Prokop, of Temecula, California, with whom he shared a birthday and a similar passion for beaches and the ocean. He was a beloved companion for 17 years to Chris Winter, and deeply cherished by her family. A celebration of life ceremony will be held for Bob on Sunday, February 26th at 11 am at Winfrey Point in Dallas, overlooking White Rock Lake, another favorite spot. The address is 950 E Lawther Dr, Dallas TX, 75218. There will be food, non-alcoholic drinks – and, of course, kites. Please dress casually as Bob wouldn’t want anything stuffy!