Obituary of Thomas Wilson Costikyan

Thomas Wilson Costikyan of Lafayette Hill, Pa died September 16, 2019.  He was the beloved husband for 65 years to Judy Frost Costikyan and father of Janet Waite (John), Leigh Wood ( Jeff Welsh) and Thomas (Tod) Jr. (Sylvia) and grandfather to Courtney, Parker, Jake, Ashley, Emily, Sarah, Cary, Tyler, Karly, Allie, Katie, Thomas III, Samantha, Rachel and David.  Tom was the son of the late Kent Ransom Costikyan and Laura Wilson Costikyan of Montclair, NJ and brother of the late Kent Ransom Costikyan, Jr. He was born on August 24, 1929 in Orange, NJ and was a graduate of The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, Ct., Williams College, Williamstown, Ma., MIT, Cambridge Ma., and Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI.

Following school, Tom joined the navy where he was a lieutenant JG nuclear officer in the special weapons division.  Upon discharge, Tom joined ESSO Research, as a chemical engineer.  His 12 year career with them took him from Florham Park, NJ to Milford Haven, Wales and later to London, England.  In 1969, he joined New England Petroleum Co., initially managing their joint venture with Chevron, The Bahamas Oil Refinery.  Tom ended his career with the Coastal Corporation.

In retirement, Tom and Judy moved to Dataw Island, S.C. and spent 18 years enjoying the low country and involving themselves in the community.  Among his many volunteer activities, Tom was a member of the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Board, First President of Dataw Golf Club, a member of the Savannah River Nuclear Project Citizen Advisory Board, & chair of the committee to purchase the Dataw Property from Alcoa.

In 2007, they moved to The Hill at Whitemarsh, a CCRC in Pennsylvania and Tom became involved in many parts of their new community.  His most satisfying involvement was the formation of the Monday bridge group and numerous years of lessons to introduce new players to the game.  Friendly backgammon sessions were another pastime Tom introduced to the Hill

Over Tom’s life, his many interests included his family, bridge (An American Bridge Association Director), boating, golf and tennis.  Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed by family and friends for his concern for others, his dry sense of humor and love of life.

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 2:00 pm in the Founders Room at The Hill at Whitemarsh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in the name of Thomas Costikyan may be sent to either –

The Whitemarsh Foundation, PO Box 538, Lafayette Hill, Pa 19444-0538 or,

The Hill at Whitemarsh, 400 Fox Hound Drive, Lafayette Hill, Pa 19444 and designated for the Annual Fund – Club room expansion.