Last Friday, Sept. 9, the Town of Oyster Bay held a ceremonial street sign change, one that honored Michael Costello, a Massapequa resident who perished on Sept. 11, 2001.

The signs, which now read "Michael S. Costello Way," were placed at the corner of Ontario Avenue and North Broadway.

Those present at the dedication included Town Supervisor John Venditto, Deacon Gerald F. Whitfield, and Costello's parents, Jim and Nancy.

Michael Costello was a native of Massapequa and a graduate of the Plainedge public schools. In Massapequa, Michael enjoyed a normal upbringing. He was active in sports and community life in general. He played travel soccer with the Massapequa Soccer Club, basketball with the Maria Regina Church League and varsity soccer, basketball, and lacrosse in high school.

After high school, Michael attended the University of Scranton, where he graduated in 1996. At Scranton, he began his quest to work on Wall Street. After graduation from that university, he began his financial career by working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

In less than six months from gaining that job, Michael, in 1997, went to work for Cantor Fitzgerald, where he became a successful equities sales trader.

Michael's friends describe him as leaving a legacy and memories that are infinite.

They remember him as an energetic person with a lively spirit that touched every person he met. They further describe him as "extremely generous, kindhearted, witty and charming."

His activities included cooking, surfing, snowboarding, fishing, golfing, and especially, time at the beach.

After graduating from Scranton, Michael spent his summers at Avalon, NJ, where he met Amy Walsh. At the time of his death, Michael and Amy planned on marrying and moving into his brownstone in Hoboken.

"Even though Michael was a young man, he was able to accomplish a great deal in his life," said Supervisor Venditto. "He touched many people and was truly an inspiration to his family, friends, and colleagues. He grew up in Massapequa and the community will never forget his legacy as a person who was generous, caring, determined, successful, and affable. This street sign dedication is the town's way of paying tribute and memorializing a fine man who was taken from us too soon."