Frederick J. Costin, age 80, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, peacefully in his home surrounded by love of friends and family.
Fred was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on March 20, 1941, the son of the late Dr. James F. Costin and Eleanor (Singer) Costin, who preceded him in death.
Fred is survived by his sister Marjorie (Costin) MacGillivray and brother Dr Arthur B Costin, both of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Also surviving nieces Kathryn (MacGillivray) Matthew Yackshaw of Columbus, Ohio, Linda MacGillivray, Kris (MacGillivray) Shannon, Amy (MacGillivray) Bill Boy, all of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Nephew Dr. Scott Costin (Dr. Linda Costin), Bellefontaine, Ohio and Alexa Costin of Houston, Texas, and many great nieces and nephews. Also, survived by his companion Eric Green of Sarasota who brought happiness and laughter these last few years.
After graduating high school, Fred graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Education. His love of travel took him around the world teaching middle school science at military bases through the Department of Defense Dependent School System (DODDSS). He moved to Los Angeles, California for four years and applied for his first assignment. He was thrilled to move to Ankara, Turkey where he taught for 1 year. Then off to Oxford, England for 5 years. Fred then moved back to Oxford, Ohio where he earned his Masters of Education at Miami University. Fred then moved back to Woodbridge Bentwaters, England for 3 years. Next assignment was Wurzburg, Germany, 10 years where he taught science and was a Guidance Counselor. Moved to Sicily, 1 year. His next assignment, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for 5 years. Newfoundland, 1 year. Bermuda, 1 year. Panama, 4 years and his retirement to Sarasota, FL, in 1999 where he resided these last 22 years.
Fred achieved his Master Gardener certificate and created gardens with his school children all over the world. “My love of gardening began when I went to England in 1968 and the school at Upper Hartford was a WWII prisoner of war barracks. One mom told me she broke down and cried when she saw it. We added bushes, trees and flowers. I planted gardens wherever I lived and worked.” Fred was an excellent bridge player.
A “Celebration of Fred’s Life” will occur on Sunday, January 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Social Room of the Renaissance Condominiums, 750 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34236.
The Robert Toole and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, Sarasota, Fl provided cremation. (dignitymemorial.com)
In honor of Fred’s memory and his beloved dog Buddy, donations can be made to The Humane Society (HSUS) of the United States, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037.