Konstantinos "Kosti" Ioannou Kostibas

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."—Pericles

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Konstantinos “Kosti” Ioannou Kostibas of Clarksville, Maryland on April 22nd after a hard-fought battle against glioblastoma. He was 47 years old.

Though he was born in York, Nebraska to John Kostibas and Sandra Ford on October 24th, 1978, Kosti was a proud Texan at heart. In Texas, he met his future wife, Megan, and the two began their wonderful adventure together. He attended Baylor University, graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He later completed his Master of Arts at St. Mary’s University in International Relations in 2009.

He proudly served as an US Air Force intelligence officer in the Global War on Terrorism until 2006. Following active duty, Kosti spent the rest of his career working for the Department of Defense where he planned cyber operations to counter adversaries in Europe and the Middle East, and led engagement with the United Kingdon, NATO and Israel. He also was elected as a Legislative Fellow for the Department of the Air Force where he was actively involved in congressional engagement. During the majority of his time in Maryland, Kosti worked for the US Cyber Command. He played a valuable role in strengthening the nation's cyber interests at US Cyber Command, most notably leading the J3 Operations Director’s Action Group. Kosti was instrumental in translating the Command’s strategic objectives into operational realities that impacted tactical, time-sensitive cyber operations. His commitment to public service and expertise in the cyberspace and intelligence communities left a permanent mark on both the mission and the people at US Cyber Command. Kosti will be remembered for his dedication, intellect, wittiness, and for being a friend to many. His efforts truly advanced our nation’s interests in the cyber domain.

On a personal level, Kosti didn’t just bring joy into any room he entered; he blew the doors off the hinges. Forever the life of the party, his passion for making the most of each day was infectious. Kosti loved nothing more than hosting family and friends while manning the grill for a weekend BBQ. No celebration was complete without his abundant energy and a stereo blasting a playlist ranging from 90’s hip hop, Beastie Boys, Jimmy Buffett, to Zac Brown Band. He was famous for his enthusiastic, often questionable, and slightly inappropriate dance moves, as well as his loud Hawaiian shirts, eye-catching hats, and bootleg fireworks. He dreamed of vacation time at the beach with his family in Greece and evening walks with his dogs. His strong coffee, epic nicknames, and generous pours of alcohol will always be legendary.

Over all of his personal and professional successes, Kosti’s most proud accomplishments and cherished treasures were his two children, John and Samantha, to whom he devoted the last 16 years of his life. He was the pillar of his family, a devoted husband, father, son and brother who never missed a milestone. He loved nothing more than cheering his children on during summer swim league, John’s guitar concerts and Samantha’s meets.

His loss is immeasurable, and he will be lovingly remembered by his wife and soulmate of 20 years, Megan; children: John (16) and Samantha (12); his parents: John Kostibas and Sandra Ford; brother, Alexandros Kostibas and his wife, Samantha Piell; niece, Amelia Kostibas; brother-in-law, Austin (Andrea) Presley; and mother-in-law, Elizabeth (David) Hall as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Please join us in celebrating the beautiful life of Kosti at Manor Hill Brewing at 4411 Manor Lane in Ellicott City, Maryland on May 24th from 12-2pm. In keeping with Kosti’s wishes, we encourage colorful, even Hawaiian, attire to celebrate his love of life.

In lieu of flowers or a random tree from this website we will never see, we know Kosti would prefer donations or gifts be made in his name to either brain cancer research at Hopkins, Brigham and Women's Hospital, or animals in need:

-Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://secure.jhu.edu/form/neuro. Under Designation, select Other and type in ‘Dr. Karisa Schreck Research’. On the second page, you will also have the opportunity to note the gift is in memory of your loved one.

-Brigham and Women's/Dana Farber: Support the work of Dr. L. Nicolas Gonzalez Castro at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women’s Hospital with “In Memory of Konstantinos Kostibas" in the memo line and sent to Mass General Brigham Development Office, 399 Revolution Drive, Suite 1330, Somerville, MA 02145 or visit bwhgiving.org/memorial to make your gift online.

-Small Miracles Cat and Dog Rescue: https://www.smallmiraclesrescue.org/donate.shtml