PORTLAND – Richard “Doc” Costello, longtime athletic director at the University of Southern Maine, has died at the age of 79.

Costello, who coached nearly every sport during his 37-year career at USM, died Monday at his Gorham home after a battle with cancer.

Costello guided the USM sports program through a period of unprecedented growth, especially in women’s sports. He started the state’s first college soccer program and was instrumental in founding the Little East Conference, which includes USM.

The sports complex at the university is named for Costello, who retired in 1990.

Costello’s survivors include his wife of 51 years, Melissa. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Gorham.