Statue honors Magnolia native and NFL champion Vincent Costello

After more than three years of planning, fundraising and community support, a statue honoring Magnolia native Vincent Costello now stands at the entrance to Magnolia Village Canal Park along state route 183 across from The Nest.

The 700-pound steel sculpture, created by Canton artist Patrick G. Buckohr, was installed June 8 and serves as the centerpiece of a community effort led by the Magnolia Area Historical Society to recognize one of the village's most accomplished athletes and football figures.

Magnolia Area Historical Society President Janet Rogers said the project began in February 2022 when the late Don Del Corso approached the organization about honoring Costello.

"He was very passionate about it and said we really should do something in Costello’s honor," Rogers said. "We agreed."

The idea quickly gained support. During Canal Days 2022, organizers collected more than 500 signatures from residents who supported recognizing Costello's contributions and legacy.

A committee consisting of Rogers, Tim Costello, Jim Miller, Bob Leach, Allan Tozzi, Megan Boyd Klingler, Claudia Rogers and Don Del Corso was formed to guide the project.

One of the committee's first accomplishments came when Magnolia Village Council approved a request to designate the village park system as the Vince Costello Memorial Sports Complex.

The committee later met with Buckohr, who had previously created a sculpture for the Magnolia Fire Department, and commissioned a series of memorials honoring Costello. The project included two memorial panels on Harrison Street near where Costello grew up, as well as the larger sculpture now located at the entrance to the village park.

Fundraising efforts attracted close to 100 donors, along with support from local businesses and organizations. Cibo's Restaurant in Waynesburg hosted a fundraising dinner, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club also contributed to the project.

A dedication ceremony was held July 20, 2024, at the village park. At that time, the memorial panels had been completed, but the larger sculpture was still under construction. The event gave supporters an opportunity to see the progress being made and welcomed members of Costello's family back to Magnolia.

Costello's niece, Chris Costello Tozzi, and her husband, Michael, hosted a gathering for family and friends the evening before the dedication. Rogers said Costello's family was able to attend the event.

The final sculpture arrived in Magnolia with little advance notice. Rogers said Buckohr informed organizers June 7 that the work was complete and could be delivered the following morning.

Committee members quickly arranged for Stanley Miller Construction to assist with placing the 700-pound sculpture on its base.

"Patrick did an amazing job on the sculpture and our patience and his many, many hours of hard work paid off," Rogers said.

Rogers said a plaque and additional signage are planned for the site to help tell Costello's story and complete the memorial.

Costello's roots in Magnolia ran deep. He was the son of Italian immigrants Celesta Menna and Bartolomeo Giordonno, who entered the United States through Ellis Island. After marrying, Bartolomeo changed his name to William Costello.

Costello grew up in Magnolia alongside his sisters, Lee, Rosie and Bea, and brothers, Mike and Nick.

A three-sport athlete at Magnolia High School, Costello quarterbacked the school's undefeated six-man football team in 1948. He later played football, basketball and baseball at Ohio University before spending four years in the Cincinnati Reds baseball organization and playing football for the Air Force.

His football career eventually took him to the National Football League, where he won an NFL championship with the Cleveland Browns in 1964, started every game for 10 years at middle linebacker and later became a member of the Cleveland Browns Legends Program in 2011.

Costello also coached with the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs as a defensive coordinator.

His accomplishments earned additional recognition when he was inducted as a member of the inaugural Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame class in 2002.

Despite his success, Rogers said Costello never forgot the community where his athletic career began. Rogers said her husband and Costello remained close friends throughout their lives. Her husband was a groomsman in Costello's wedding, and Costello later served as the best man in theirs.

"He was so humble and Magnolia was always home to him," she said. "No matter where he went, he always came back."

For Rogers, seeing the completed statue finally placed in the village was an emotional moment that marked the culmination of years of work by volunteers, donors and supporters.

"When I saw that statue go up, I thought, 'Vince is home," she said.