Joseph “Joey” Costello III
Joseph “Joey” Costello III, 31, of Chicago, at rest April 30, 2026. Beloved husband of Lauren (nee Ruhe); loving son of Peggie Costello and Joseph Costello Jr.; dearest brother of Rosalia (Jorge Viana) Costello, Kiley Costello and Marino (Alexandria) Costello; dear uncle of Carmela; devoted grandson of Mary (the late Joseph) Guardalabene and the late Joseph Sr. and Dorothy Costello.
Joey lived authentically; he only shared from his deep well of love and empathy when it felt meaningful to him and was never one for small talk or pleasantries. He thought deeply; beyond his incredible intellect, he could often be found pondering, feeling, reflecting, even in the middle of a crowd. When he felt safe, he was silly; performing inimitable dances with his eyebrows, belting out emo songs at the top of his lungs, or playing out an entire drum riff with his dog Theo’s paws, just to make his wife laugh. An outgoing introvert, Joey managed to collect the people who were important to him and keep that circle close year after year. He gave everything to the people he cared about, readily and quietly, without need for outside approval or even witness. He was exceedingly generous and kind at his core.
As a husband, Joey brought levity, intense affection, fierce protection, and a commitment to Lauren that will last well beyond our earthly bodies. He adored his little family (his wife, Lauren, their dog, Theo, and their cat, Mouse) and filled their home with music and breathless laughter. With Lauren in particular, he maintained the same playfulness and comedic nature that defined him as a child.
As a brother, Joey was a protector and a leader, with all his siblings, regardless of birth order, carrying great respect and admiration for his ability to be simultaneously humble and creatively ambitious. He was the calm in any storm and could be depended on for sage advice or uncontrollable laughter, whichever was more cathartic.
As a son, Joey had a pure heart and a quick wit. From a young age, animals were drawn to him, and his patience and compassion were obvious. His intelligence went well beyond academia and was profoundly empathic and emotional in nature. He brought almost instant skill to anything he set his mind to be it athletics, music, or business. It was a great honor and privilege to be his parent.
As a friend, Joey was charismatic, loyal, the instant life of any party. Dancing was for tables, not just dance floors, and Joey had the scars to prove his commitment to that belief. He was looked to to make decisions with his answers accepted without doubt.
We weren’t granted the time we would have liked with Joey, but he filled his 31 years with mindfulness, intention, risk-taking, laughter, and leadership. He was a guardian on earth; we can only imagine the spiritual protection he’ll offer as a celestial being. He meant so much to so many and will be forever adored and profoundly missed by his wife, parents, siblings, niece, extended family, and friends. Rest in peace, Legend.
Funeral services and inurnment private. Arrangements entrustd to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com
Your family has always been nothing but the best towards me and Joey (Choz) played such a big part in that. He was one of the funniest humans I’ve ever met. The lingo he would say to us about derrs, marrying nfl players he would draft in fantasy football and other such things I still use today. He will forever be remembered in that way to me. He brought so many people together and was always so much fun to be around. My family’s prayers are with your family during these times. Love you all
peg and joe no words can express our sadness…please feel free to reach out
love love brian and gail
Joe was my roommate in college for two years. We shared some of the best times, unpacking the chaos of the previous weekend and talking about who we hoped to become after graduation. He was deeply dedicated to fitness and believed strongly in its connection to mental well-being. I could always count on him for a workout plan or a supplement recommendation.
Joe was also an incredible dog dad. I’ll always cherish the time I spent helping him raise Theo during his puppy years, even if it meant replacing a couple pairs of shoes along the way.
My time with Joe had a lasting, positive impact on my life, and I am heartbroken that he was taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
So saddened to hear of Joey’s passing! Fondly remember the days at Calvary of Joey in my classes as well as the years I was privileged to coach him in basketball! Rest in Peace!!
I was fortunate enough to be a part of Joe’s life through college and into our early years of adulthood. Despite the time that has passed, Joe made such a profound impact on my life that parts of him still exist in my everyday world. He lives in the books that fill my library, the records that play on my vinyl, the meditations that ground me, and in some of the most ethereal places I’ve ever seen on this earth.
It’s hard to articulate the impact he had on me — spiritually, creatively, philosophically, and simply as a human being. Joe carried a depth to him that was rare. He made people think deeper, feel deeper, question more, and look at life a little differently. I truly feel blessed to have experienced the version of Joe that I knew during such formative years of my life.
I know I’m speaking on memories from years ago, and I deeply respect the beautiful life, love, and family he built beyond that chapter. I just felt I needed to honor the person who meant so much to me and to so many others.
My heart is with his wife, his family, his friends, and everyone whose lives were touched by him. To his mother — thank you for bringing such a special soul into this world. To his siblings, loved ones, and all the people who depended on his presence, I am so deeply sorry for this unimaginable loss.
Rest easy, Joe. Thank you for existing in my life at all. I’ll carry pieces of your spirit with me forever, and I’m sorry the world lost you so soon.