The high school athletics, local history, and civic communities of Stark County are mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of Tim Costello. A highly respected Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) football and basketball official, historical researcher, and corporate marketing consultant, Tim passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
An alumnus of Ohio University, Tim was an ubiquitous, warm presence across northeast Ohio—whether he was mentoring young sports officials, managing local historic landmarks, or greeting patrons with his trademark humor.
| Profile Parameter | Verified Biographical & Professional Details |
| Full Name | Tim Costello |
| Hometown | Magnolia, Ohio (Canton Area) |
| Date of Passing | Sunday, July 5, 2026 (Sudden & Unexpected) |
| Academic Roots | Ohio University (BBA in Marketing & Management, 1984–1988) |
| Athletic Governance | Licensed OHSAA Football & Basketball Official |
| Historical Alignment | Member, Magnolia Area Historical Society | Cemetery Sexton |
| Corporate Portfolio | Marketing & Advertising Consultant at TLC Holdings (2009–2026) |
| Local Landmarks | Vince Costello Memorial Sports Complex, Tozzi’s on 12th St. |
| Family Inheritances | Nephew of legendary NFL linebacker and coach Vince Costello |
A Pillar of Ohio High School Athletics and Mentorship
Tim was exceptionally well-known throughout the region as a dedicated sports official who prioritized player development, mutual respect, and absolute structural integrity. He spent decades running the sidelines for high school football, basketball, and burgeoning youth divisions.
His instructional, empathetic approach left a massive mark on regional athletic organizations:
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Massillon & McKinley Girls Flag Football: Regional programs highlighted his unique ability to explain calls transparently and build player confidence, noting, “He always had kind words to say and truly meant it when he told our coaches that the girls are getting better each week.”
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The Sophie Bowl: For eight years, Tim served as a primary volunteer coordinator of officials for this prominent charity tournament hosted by In Your Shoes – The Sophia Capo Memorial Foundation, bringing a servant’s heart and infectious energy to the field.
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Collegiate Officiating Mentorship: Beyond high school games, Tim acted as an elite mentor to incoming referees. Fellow official Austin Finlayson shared, “You were a huge help to me in the world of Football officiating… Being an absolute legend of a mentor to me. Helping me and directing me into the right paths of college football.”
Champion of Magnolia History and the Costello Heritage
Outside of athletic competition, Tim possessed a profound passion for preserving local municipal records. As an active member of the Magnolia Area Historical Society, he applied his technical skills to digitize historical films, map regional cemetery logs in his role as the local cemetery sexton, and catalog sports ancestry.
Most notably, he acted as the primary historical researcher for the development of the Vince Costello Memorial Sports Complex. Tim took massive pride in preserving the legacy of his uncle, Vince Costello, who famously starred as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns before coaching in the NFL.
Decades of Business and Community Engagement
Tim’s diverse talents allowed him to seamlessly navigate distinct professional spaces across Canton and the surrounding area. His extensive corporate and social footprint included:
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TLC Holdings (2009–2026): Serving as a Senior Marketing Consultant, specializing in complete corporate campaign design, direct mail, and web optimization.
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Tozzi’s on 12th Street: Operating as a long-time banquet manager and bartender, transforming ordinary dining experiences into warm community events.
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Institutional Sales: Managing multi-tier sponsorship accounts and fundraising campaigns for the Glenmoor Country Club and Haines & Company, Inc.
Outpouring of Tributes from Friends and Colleagues
As news of his unexpected passing spread, longtime friends recalled his unshakeable charisma. College roommate Chris Bernard reflected on a friendship stretching back over four decades:
“This one is tough to accept or even comprehend. One of my very good Ohio U friends, the first friend I made when checking into my freshman dorm way back in 1984. The funniest and most friendly guy one could ever meet. I’ll never forget you and will always remember your daily ‘jokes of the day’.”
Local parent Paul Baker summarized the community’s collective loss simply: “Tim always had a smile on his face no matter what. He treated my two boys like family. Magnolia isn’t going to be the same without him.”
Tim is survived by his children, his siblings, and a sprawling network of Ohio athletes, historians, and colleagues. Memorial and funeral home arrangements are currently being finalized by his family.