The author of those words turned out to be a master of understatement, for it is seemingly incomprehensible how much Tom Costin has accomplished in the almost 17,000 days since those words were first published, in June 1963. When combined with all he had done to warrant such praise in the first place, it is easy to see why Tom has been selected as recipient of the 2009 Essex Heritage Hero Award.

The temptation to present Tom Costin’s lifetime of achievements and honors in list form must be resisted, for while it is an impressive dossier, it cannot do justice to the depth and breadth of the character of the man.

First and foremost, Tom Costin is a giver, evidenced by his tireless volunteerism and philanthropic efforts on behalf of organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Heart Association, March of Dimes and Salvation Army. In the last 15 years, Tom has served as chairman of the Lynn Business Partnership’s Transportation Committee, which has been the driving force behind proposed rapid-transit expansion to Lynn.

Tom served his country as a U.S. Marine in WWII and he served his community for almost a half-century. He served eight years as a city councilor and was elected mayor, all before he turned 30, becoming Lynn’s youngest mayor ever. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy, whom Tom was proud to call a friend, appointed him Postmaster in Lynn, a post he held for more than 30 years. Tom’s popularity stretched across party lines, as President Richard M. Nixon commended him in 1971 for his work on the Postal Reorganization Act.

The importance of education has not been lost on Tom. A graduate of Boston College, where he received a degree in History & Government, with a master’s degree from Salem State in Education, Tom served as chairman of the Lynn School Committee as mayor. He has also served as a trustee of the University of Massachusetts for the Amherst, Boston and the Worcester Medical Center locations and as a director of the Lynn Business Education Foundation.

For Tom, everything starts with his faith that is central to his life, as well as his love for his wife Noel and his family, including late wife Rosemary and their children Tom, RoAnn, Morgan, Midge, Maura and Kevin. He is also blessed by the lives of his step-children, Pam, Wendy, Susan and Allison and seventeen grandchildren. Anyone who has been around him knows his energy and optimism and the twinkle in his eyes are contagious.

In an area that prides itself on unparalleled natural and historic treasures, Tom Costin has been an invaluable source of knowledge and guidance,  sharing his lifelong commitment to better the lives of others. To the legion who have benefited from his sense of service, he is a hero, most worthy of our praise and thanks.

[return]