Ronald E Costigan

South Portland - Ronald E. Costigan, 84, retired South Portland Police Officer, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018 surrounded by his family. Born in Portland on April 1, 1934, Ronnie was the son of the late Ronald Costigan and Marilyn St. John. He graduated from South Portland High School in 1952. Following High School, Ronnie honorably served in the United States Navy where he received the Navy Occupation Service Medal. On June 6, 1959, Ronnie married the love of his life, Mary B. (Nee) Costigan. Together, Ronnie and Mary made their home in South Portland where they raised their 3 children. Ronnie and Mary established a wonderful foundation of love and togetherness for their whole family through their proud Irish heritage and devout Catholic faith. They are fondly remembered for being a selfless couple, opening their home to family and friends and hosting legendary Irish parties. The Costigans were widely known as the epitome of the Irish-Catholic family. Most people in South Portland knew Ronnie as a Police Officer. In the early years, he was a patrolman on a foot beat in Knightville, and later throughout the city. In 1975, he was promoted to be the first Youth Detective in the state. Throughout the years, Ronnie was active in the department. He acted as one of the architects of the department's union and first collective bargaining agreement. He received many accolades for his service to our community, including Officer of the Month and Officer of the Year. He retired in 1986. Not one to sit still, Ronnie retired on a Friday, and began his "retirement job" on a Monday. He was employed with SMCC as an instructor in Law Enforcement. In addition, he was responsible for the college's security and affectionately referred to Willard Beach as "his beach", reminiscent of when he patrolled the streets of "his town". In addition to his efforts in keeping our community safe, Ronnie attained his bachelor's degree at the age of 40. Whatever Ronnie was doing, he gave it his all. He gave his all when he was a police officer, and he did the same thing as a family man. Ronnie had the unbelievable ability to separate work from family. Ronnie never had any hobbies other than spending time with his wife and children. His family came first and every penny he had went to ensuring that his kids had a wonderful childhood. Together, he and Mary instilled in their children the importance of faith and family. As a grandfather, he established a special connection with each of his grandchildren and loved each of them dearly. Ronnie will always be remembered as a man who knew and taught right from wrong. He was a big tough guy to the outside world, but was a kind and compassionate soul to those who knew him. He was a man of integrity and character. Ronnie will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary B. Costigan; sister, Joan Dembowski; and sister-in-law, Mona Nee. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Foster and husband John of South Portland, Kathleen Findlay and husband Shawn of South Portland; son, Danny Costigan and wife Kris of South Portland; grandchildren, Katie Paladino and husband Andrew, Jake Foster and wife Maria, Moira Foster, Daniel Foster and wife Casey, Annie Tolan and husband Jack, Luke and Patrick Foster, Molly Nelson and husband Eric, Matt Findlay, Coleman Findlay and wife Emily, Nick and Colleen Costigan, Sean Costigan and wife Amy; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Teddy, Olivia and Thomas Paladino, Finn Nelson and Johnny Tolan. Ronnie is also survived by his brothers, Terry St. John and wife Pam of South Portland and Philip St. John of MI. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Kim Conley, Maureen Folan, Tim Murphy and the staff at the Barron Center for the care and friendship they provided Ronnie in recent years. Visiting Hours celebrating Ronnie's life will be held on Monday, April 30 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 1 at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine 04106