Monsignor William F. Costello, an adored priest who served for more than five decades and was still active at the Church of St. Anne where he lived in Garden City for the past eight years, died July 18 when a repeat drunken driver allegedly struck him in East Hampton while he was taking a stroll near his sister's home. He was 79.

East Hampton Town Police arrested the driver, who allegedly fled the scene and was operating the vehicle with a suspended license for a previous DWI charge, shortly after the incident.

Born Aug. 7, 1926 in Bay Shore to the late William F. Costello Sr. and Beatrice Clarke, Monsignor Costello graduated from Seton Hall High School and Cathedral College in Brooklyn. Archbishop Thomas Molloy ordained him a priest in June 1952 in Brooklyn after he attended the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.

Said to have inspired many with his Irish wit and wisdom, Monsignor Costello always answered the call to fulfill any of the diocese's needs, Bishop William Murphy, bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, remembered.

His first assignment was right here in Garden City at Saint Joseph's Church. He then served in Saint Mary's Church in Manhasset and Saint Catherine of Sienna in _Franklin Square. Monsignor Costello was then appointed pastor of Cure of Ars _Church in Merrick. During the years, he also served as pastor _of Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hempstead, Our Lady of the Miraculous _Medal in Point Lookout and Saint Catherine of Sienna in Franklin Square. Monsignor Costello was also called upon to serve as temporary administrator of several _parishes, including Our Lady of Fatima in Manorhaven and Maria Regina Church in _Seaford.

Whenever Monsignor Costello returned to visit a parish where he had served - no matter how long ago that might have been - he was greeted with love and enthusiasm by one and all who knew him, Bishop William Murphy said. "For me personally, this is a great loss," he said. "Monsignor Costello was a mentor and a friend. He gave me good counsel both on a one-to-one basis and was a valued member and admired brother on the Priests' Senate.

Bishop Murphy continued, adding, "He had a great deal of common sense and a precious gift of gentle humor. He was a priest to the core of his being and a model for many younger priests. I loved him and will miss him."

After his semi-retirement, Monsignor Costello resided at Saint Anne's where he often celebrated sacraments and offered his presence to the local parishioners. "To us, Monsignor Costello was truly the Cure of Ars - the patron saint of priests," Monsignor John Gilmartin, pastor at St. Anne's in Garden City, said. "He loved his fellow priests and offered us the greatest example of faithful ministry. He was a friend, a companion and a great priest. I loved him and will miss him deeply."

Monsignor Costello is the dear brother of Alice Costello, James Costello (deceased) and his wife Rose, and Maureen Schuller (deceased); loving uncle of Kevin, James and Alex, William and Giselle, Michael and Maria, Megan, Jeffrey and Sarah; cherished granduncle of Ryan, Spencer, Jacqueline, Christina, Michael, Mycaela, Aiden, Reilly and many family and friends.

A wake was held July 20 and 21 at the Church of St. Anne and a Mass of Transferal took place July 21 at 8 p.m. at the Church of Saint Anne. Monsignor John Gilmartin, pastor at St. Anne's, served as principal celebrant. A funeral Mass was held Saturday, July 22 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Saint Anne; Monsignor Costello was buried at St. Patrick Cemetery in Bay Shore.