The Great Read: A Man Who Shunned Cheap Sentiment Left a Gift for Others: Life
Brendan Costello was a cleareyed writer who might have found this article a bit treacly. Such is the cost of being a good guy.
The New York Times
The Great Read

December 25, 2025, 2:01 p.m. Eastern time

On weekdays and Sundays, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go.

Dr. Sylvio Burcescu holds a framed photograph of Brendan Costello.

Sarah Blesener for The New York Times

A Man Who Shunned Cheap Sentiment Left a Gift for Others: Life

Brendan Costello was a cleareyed writer who might have found this article a bit treacly. Such is the cost of being a good guy.

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