ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO – John O. Costine, Ohio’s longest continuously practicing attorney and a cherished member of the St. Clairsville community, died Thursday evening at the age of 100. His son, Eric Costine, recalled how residents grew accustomed to seeing his father make his daily walk to the Belmont County Courthouse, always sporting a fedora and carrying his legal documents.
Born on October 16, 1924, Costine celebrated his 100th birthday in October and devoted more than 70 years to the practice of law. A graduate of Ohio Northern University’s law program in 1950, he began his legal career in 1952 working alongside his father, John E. Costine, founder of the Costine Law Firm in St. Clairsville.
Before embarking on his legal career, Costine studied at Bethany College and served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater.
The fondness he developed while at sea fostered a lifetime love of sailboats and sailing. He taught his wife of 69 years the love of sailing even though she did not swim and had a fear of water.
The legacy of the Costine family in the legal field spans 104 years, with both of his sons following in his footsteps. Eric now serves as the judge of Belmont County’s Western Division Court, and his brother Mark recently retired as the county’s juvenile and probate judge.
John O. Costine is survived by his three children and their spouses, his brother Tom and his wife, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation and memorial services were held at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville on Monday and Tuesday (March 10 and 11), with burial scheduled at Union Cemetery in St. Clairsville.
