A 9/11 Hero: The Story of Chuck Costello

On September 11, 2001, Chuck Costello, an elevator technician, ran 2.1 miles from the Mercer Hotel in SoHo, where he was working, to the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan to help those trapped in the two towers. His life-saving acts of courage and the lives he saved that day would come at the ultimate price. Through the humble faith he modeled as a husband and a father to his final acts of heroism, Chuck demonstrated the very finest qualities of a Brother Knight.

[ciarakristos]

What a beautiful man he was. R.I.P., Chuck.💙

[rogerlynn]

I have known Chuck's story for all these years. Thank you for creating this, and reminding all of us how one good man can touch so many of us. He lives on in so many hearts.

[osizzle]

I thought about Welles Crowther, and I said that there had to be more Bravehearts like him. Glad I found out about you Chuck. May you rest in peace. 🙏

[maryshelton]

What a beautiful story about an ordinary man living out an extraordinary life thru Christ..a true saint. God bless his family.

[ramendragon]

R.I.P. Chuck, may your light shine even brighter!

[debradestefano]

So so moving. You can feel Chucks light from seeing pictures. The most beautiful part was his writing when he said “ and let me not panic, when I run into the dark.” That he did, and he still lives, only in another beautiful place, to be a light for ALL who knew him….. until your souls meet again . What an inspiring story. My father-in-law was a Grand Knight for his council, and his father was the head of the The Knights Of Columbus of all of Illinois, sometime in the 1960’s. This truly was a reminder of the goodness the KOC, and all those who become a part of this group. God Bless. 🙏❤ You truly have a special man Chuck, who is among you each day.

[kelly]

So moving. Faith plus action equals true godliness. May God bless Brother Chuck and his family always. ✝

[bethluther]

Thanks you. Praise God for this man, and others like him

[ronheydon]

From Ron Heydon, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Member. What a beautiful story about a beautiful and dedicated young man. Thank you for your work in the Knights of Columbus my brother. R.I.P.

[patriciaheintz]

Such an inspiration. May God continue to bless his family by allowing Chuck to light the way. ❤

[ChaseeverChase]

Thank you for sharing Hero Chuck with all of us throughout the world. 🙂

[Cavannite]

This is so moving. I remember watching a documentary where they said all the world trade center elevator technicians ran away and it was other elevator technicians from the surrounding areas that ran to help. Chuck was one of those brave souls.
God bless him and his family, so sad

[dannysgirl]

What a beautiful story about a truly beautiful soul that loved God and his fellow human beings. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

[greyshadow]

Eternal rest grant unto my Brother, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Vivat Jesus!

[adrianlopez]

As a Member of the Texas State Council, I can reflect on some words that I heard. Our State Pin say "Christ Be Our Light" in the Darkness of all that is going on today we should look up to Christ as our Savior and his Shining Light will lead us to the Right Path. District Deputy, Color Commander Adrian Lopez

[doneliatonk]

He entered a catastrophe that he couldn’t have known how to negotiate, thoughtlessly risking his own life and the security and happiness of a wife and 4 children.


A good, beloved yet selfish man in his last effort.