Friends and co-workers expressed shock Monday at the the death of Michael R. Costello, who was struck and killed by a car Saturday night on East Pleasant Valley Boulevard.

Costello, of Altoona was attempting to cross the 500 block of East Pleasant Valley Boulevard near South Street about 8:30 p.m. when he was struck by a Kia Sephia being driven by a 20-year-old man traveling going west on East Pleasant Valley Boulevard, police said.

"I was stunned," said Anne Macklin, the administrator of Calvary Cemetery.

Costello was employed as a memorial counselor with the cemetery for 10 years, assisting families in making arrangements, Macklin said.

"Mike was very well thought of by the many families he served," she said. "He was a very compassionate man and he enjoyed helping people through the difficult situations."

Tony Scaglione, owner of Anthony P. Scaglione Funeral Home, grew up around Costello after Costello's parents, Daniel and Naomi, both died in 1986. He said Costello was an all-around good man.

"The man never really had a bad word to say about anybody. You just naturally liked him," Scaglione said. "He was a really nice guy, always smiling."

Scaglione said Costello's father had asked Scaglione's father to look after Costello after his death.

"He always took care of Mike," Scaglione said. "He was actually the one who got Mike the job at Calvary Cemetery."

Though Costello worked primarily as a memorial counselor, he also spent much of his time with outdoor activities: bird watching, mushroom picking, and hunting.

"He loved birds and nature," Macklin said. "He could name many, many different types of birds. Anything outdoors, he took an interest in."

Costello was also part-owner of Dry Hollow Hunting Camp in Warriors Mark.

It was here where he, Scaglione and other friends would hold picnics, get-togethers and hunting trips. Scaglione said Costello was a "great cook" and an "expert marksman."

"It was his hunting camp that was the true enjoyment of his life," Macklin said. "I think he enjoyed cooking for the guys."

Blair County Coroner Patricia Ross and Altoona police could not be reached Monday for an update on the investigation but Scaglione believes it was just a tragic accident.

"I think he just stepped out at the wrong time," Scaglione said. "I really believe it was an accident."

There will be no public viewing for Costello, but a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Anthony P. Scaglione Funeral Home, 1908 Seventh Ave., Altoona.

"Mike was a good, kind-hearted person and he'll be missed," Macklin said.