Richard Costello, athletic director

PORTLAND, Maine - Richard "Doc" Costello, longtime athletic director at the University of Southern Maine, has died at 79.

Mr. Costello, who coached nearly every sport during his 37-year career at USM, died Monday at his Gorham home after a battle with cancer.

Mr. Costello guided the USM sports program through a period of unprecedented growth, especially in women's sports. He started the state's first college soccer program and he was instrumental in founding the Little East Conference, which includes USM.

The sports complex at the university is named for Mr. Costello, who retired in 1990.

Mr. Costello leaves his wife of 51 years, Melissa.

A memorial Mass will be said Saturday in St. Anne Roman Catholic Church in Gorham.