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Mark Costello (Oklahoma politician)

Mark Costello
Oklahoma Labor Commissioner
In office
January 10, 2011 – August 23, 2015
Preceded by Lloyd Fields
Succeeded by Melissa Houston
Personal details
Born (1955-11-10)November 10, 1955
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died August 23, 2015(2015-08-23) (aged 59)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Resting place Lockridge Cemetery
Edmond, Oklahoma
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Cathy Cerkey Costello (1982–2015; his death)
Children 5
Residence Edmond, Oklahoma, U.S.
Website Oklahoma Department of Labor official website

Mark Costello (November 10, 1955 – August 23, 2015) was the Commissioner of Labor of Oklahoma from 2011 to 2015. A Republican, he was elected in 2010, defeating the Democratic incumbent, Lloyd Fields. Before his election he was a businessman who founded several technology companies.

After taking office, he established a non-profit advocacy group to oppose the positions of public employee unions, and fought federal regulatory attacks on family farms.

Costello was born in Bartlesville and graduated from College High School, then attended the University of Kansas while working summers on oil rigs in the North Sea. He married Cathy Cerkey in 1982; they had five children.

Costello founded American Computer & Telephone (AMCAT) in 1991, a telephone software company based in Oklahoma City. AMCAT was sold in 2007. He founded another telecommunications company, USA Digital Communications, in 1997. He identified as Catholic and pro-life, and was a member of the National Rifle Association.

Costello died from stab wounds inflicted by his own son on August 23, 2015, at a Braum's restaurant in Oklahoma City. Eye witnesses observed the incident. They saw Costello and his son circling the restaurant. Eventually, a witness stopped the son by ramming him with his car. His son, Christian Costello was arrested following the incident.


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