Gary L. Costlow, Esq.

Costlow, Gary L., Esquire, age 71, Johnstown, died February 15, 2022.  He was born October 11, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA.  The son of the late Eugene and Bertha (Halliwell) Costlow.  Survived by loving wife of 37 years, Margaret (Esch) Costlow, daughters Sarah, Kelly, and Catherine Costlow, and honorary son, daughter and grandson, Garrett, Justine and Cooper Bowden; also survived by sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Joseph Chulick, sisters and brothers-in-law Sally Becker (Ken), Ruth Lytle (Michael), John Esch (Denise), Ray Esch (Beverly), Beth Esch (“Ken”), Jan Rishell (“Duke”) and many nieces and nephews.  Gary was a 1968 alumnus of Forest Hills High School, Brown University 1972, and Villanova Law School 1975. Upon returning to Johnstown, Gary practiced law alongside his mentor, Marlin B. Stephens. Gary was a member and former president of the Cambria County Bar Association; he was admitted to the Bar of the United State Supreme Court and he argued cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  He was the solicitor for Richland Township, Richland Township Planning Commission, Cambria Township, Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center, and the Forest Hills Municipal Authority.  He was a former public defender and assistant district attorney, the former solicitor for Adams Township Zoning Authority, Adams Township Water Authority, and West Taylor Township.  Gary was a former member of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. He was an avid reader who loved creating and reciting limericks with his friends and enjoyed his many trips to Western Europe, where he roamed the museums and lectured to anyone who would listen. Gary liked reading by the pool, entertaining, and vacations with his family. He made friends everywhere he went – he may not remember your name, but he remembered your story. There are some who bring a light so bright to the world, that even after they are gone, it remains. His celebration of life will be held at a later date. Family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. (Condolences may be posted to www.wharris funeralhome.com)