Thomas Martin Kostelnik
Thomas Martin Kostelnik of Peoria, Arizona and formerly of Westlake, Ohio, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Brownsville, Pennsylvania) passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018. He was 75.
He was born to Anna (Drahula) Kostelnik and George Thomas Kostelnik on Thursday, April 29, 1943 in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of almost 52 years, Connie Lee (Wardman) Kostelnik.
Brownsville, Pennsylvania’s John A. Brashear High School enjoyed Tom’s tremendous work ethic as a student and as an athlete. Because of his determination, Tom was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame and graduated with the Class of 1965 with a B.B.A. (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting. As a member of the “Fighting Irish” football team, Tom played under coaches Kuharich, Devore, and in his senior year, Ara Parseghian, where the Irish attained a 9-1 season, just one game shy of a perfect season. He remained a devoted fan of Notre Dame, attending many games across the country.
Tom went on to receive his M.B.A. (Masters in Business Administration) from Baldwin-Wallace University.
His accounting career began with the CPA firm Lybrand, Ross Brothers and Montgomery in Cleveland, Ohio .*.. later becoming Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
The Vietnam War temporarily interrupted Tom’s accounting career as he was drafted, and proudly served, in the United States Army at the Financial Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana, “Home of the Army Dollar.”
After resuming his career, he held executive financial management positions at Valley Camp Coal Company and Lamson & Sessions (Carlon) before starting his own investment accounting firm, London Capital Corporation.
Upon retirement, he and Connie moved to Peoria, Arizona and became members of the Blackstone Country Club where Tom was able to realize his dream of playing golf every day and would always say “Oh, what a dream this is.”
Mr. Kostelnik is also survived by his brother Donald Edward Kostelnik (Diane) of Dallas, Georgia; and his sister Patricia Ann (Kostelnik) Medvetz Ward (Michael) of Fairfield, Pennsylvania. He was also a loving uncle to nine nieces and nephews: Kristin Medvetz Shifflett (Bret), Justin Wardman (Jonette), Michael Medvetz (Amanda), Erik Kostelnik (Megan), Bret Kostelnik (Alyson), Shelbey Wardman Lorenzetty (Stephen), Vincent Wardman (Kelli),Thomas Wardman (Ribana), Julie Wardman Pavek (Christopher); and a great-uncle to many.
Tom was loved by his family for his kindness and caring for others.
His laugh and humor shone through his serious side as he met situations with a generous heart.
Tom was registered with the Anatomical Donor Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine for educational and scientific purposes. Through research, perhaps cancerous brain tumors, akin to his, may be eradicated.
The family thanks all those who have come forward these past 14 months of Tom’s illness for their unfailing support. This includes Tom’s many doctors, nurses, and 911 responders.
If you so desire, donations may be made in Tom’s name to your favorite charity.