As news of the death of Tom Costin earlier this week has spread, there has been a predictable reaction of respect and appreciation for a life well lived by the local legend.
Costin, who died Monday, 12 days shy of his 99th birthday, was a former Lynn mayor and postmaster. He was also a confidante of John F. Kennedy, having worked on JFK’s successful U.S. Senate and presidential campaigns.
Costin served as postmaster from 1961-92. In 2019, the Thomas P. Costin Jr. Post Office Building in downtown Lynn was dedicated. A U.S. Marine veteran, he was active in local and national politics for more than seven decades and remained a friend of the Kennedys, including JFK’s late brothers Bobby and Ted.
“He was full of great wisdom and advice. … Every once in a while, he’d say, ‘Kevin, think of this or try this avenue,’ and he gave some good advice. Most of the time I took it, and I just tried to learn from him. He’s one of the great ones.”
— Sheriff Kevin Coppinger
“I once saw him on roller blades, and he might have been 80, and he did that well. Sometimes my wife and I will joke about people who are close to the total package. He raised great kids, a bunch of them I know, and he checks a lot of boxes. Oh my God, he was smart, he was energetic, he was passionate, he was a great father and husband. Yeah, total package.”
— Gordy Hall, fellow Nahant resident and local real estate owner
“Since I got involved in politics, I’ve known of Tom as a legend in Lynn and someone we all looked up to, even at a very young age.”
— State Sen. Brendan Crighton
“I first met Tom Costin in 1973 when I reached a position with the Lynn Post Office, and it wasn’t long before I realized that he was one of the most honorable and respected men that I had ever known. He was a friend, a mentor, a great influence on both my postal and political career as a Lynn city councilor.”
— Dick Coppinger, retired Post Office manager
“I think he’s been a good role model for what you can do for yourself, your generation, and your country.”
— Former Congressman Michael Harrington
“He had more energy than anybody I knew. Even into his nineties, he’d wake up and say, ‘What can we do today to improve the area?’”
— EDIC/Lynn Executive Director Jim Cowdell
“I’ve long been inspired by how he put our city on the map, and his commitment and ideas continue to shape my work, just as they have for so many other elected officials.”
— State Rep. Sean Reid
“He was a mentor to many elected officials, myself included, and his passing is sad to hear, but the legacy and life he leaves is one that is full of devotion to public service and his family.”
— State Rep. Dan Cahill
“He will leave behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to the people of Lynn and a lifelong commitment to public service.”
— Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson
“Tom was a force for good in Lynn and the North Shore. He cared deeply about people, politics and helping his community.”
— Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll
“He was larger than life. His passion and presence was powerful and impactful.”
— JoAnn Simons, CEO of Northeast Arc
“He worked to make a difference and really impacted our community from a young age. It was an honor to know him, it was great to work with him, and it’s a big loss. He leaves a tremendous legacy of accomplishments in order to make Lynn a better place.”
— Former Mayor and Senator Tom McGee
“He always put family first, then friends, business and politics. That order served him well throughout his lifetime.”
— Thomas A. Cole, communications consultant
“Tom Costin was a remarkable man and a remarkable, caring friend. My husband Sen. Edward Kennedy and I loved him, as did President Kennedy and all of our family. We will miss him greatly and will never forget him. Through his lifetime of unselfish giving and public service, he made a positive difference in his community and in our country. It doesn’t get better than that. What a special man he was. Godspeed, dearest Tom, and deepest sympathy to all of his wonderful family.”
— Ambassador Vicki Kennedy, widow of Sen. Ted Kennedy
