Barbara Register Costello

85 years old

June 15, 1939 – August 13, 2024

Preceded in death by her husband, Walter Costello; son, Chris Costello; parents, Jake and Essie Register; brother, Wayne Register and son-in-law, Dana Quackenbush.

She is survived by her, daughter, Susan Quackenbush, son, Walt “Scooter” Costello, Jr.; sister, Mary Alice Green: grandchildren, Leslie, Bradley (Megan) Quackenbush, Brent, Devon Costello and Dalton, Jay Pirtle, as well as great grandchildren, Rhett, Makayla, Declan and Jayden.

Born in Atlanta, GA in 1939, she moved to Haines City, FL with her family in 1941 and graduated from Haines City High School in 1957.

During high school Barbara enrolled in the DCT Program and worked at Haines City City Hall, starting as a city clerk and later a secretary to the city manager. She would continue to work there for 17 years. She married Walter Costello in 1960.

In 1974, she was elected the first woman Commissioner, serving for 2 terms and later as Vice Mayor. In 1977, she was elected as the first woman Mayor, serving until 1979 during which she accomplished many great things for the city.

Barbara next received her Real Estate license and worked for a couple of companies. She then started her career with American Realty/ Ridge Builders for Herb Key and retired in the late 90’s.

She was a lifetime member of the Haines City Historical Museum and volunteer. She loved telling stories about the pioneers to visitors. She was proud of the heritage of Haines City.

Barbara loved entertaining with family and friends. She was an awesome cook, she would spend days making desserts before Christmas, giving them to all she knew.

She was loved by so many people and will be dearly missed.

The family wishes to personally thank her caregivers, Essie Verneuil, Sabrina Robbins and Hospice.

A visitation will be on September 5, 2024, from 1:00 pm until the funeral at 1:30 pm all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care Haines City.