Mark F. Costello, a former vice president of the New York Racing Association, died Oct. 4. He was 81.
Costello, who was a Navy Seabees veteran of the Korean War, worked for NYRA as construction planning assistant from 1955-86 and served as manager of Saratoga from 1968-78. He managed Belmont Park in 1978-80 and was vice president of NYRA properties from 1980-86, when he retired. He later provided consulting work for NYRA, Saratoga Hospital, and the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club.
Costello’s survivors include his wife, Jane; daughters Margaret, Nancy, and Maureen; and sons, Mark, Thomas, and Sean.
Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Oct. 7 in St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., by the Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia.
Burial with military honors will be at 1 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
Memorials may be made in his name to the EOC (Soup Kitchen) 40 New Street, or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866.