CHICOPEE – Albert J. Costa, 87, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after being stricken at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Ludlow on March 20, 1927, a son of the late Luiz and Maria (Santos) Costa. He was raised in Ludlow, graduated from Ludlow High School and lived there for many years before moving to Chicopee around 1948. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theatre and attained the rank of Corporal. Following his military service, he returned to the area and became a Police Officer for the City of Chicopee. He then furthered his education and received an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Springfield Technical Community College. He served the City of Chicopee for 30 years and retired in 1986. He was a member of the Massachusetts Retired Police and Fire Association and a member of Elder Council 69 Knights of Columbus in Chicopee. He enjoyed playing cards at the weekly Wednesday Pitch League at the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid Red Sox fan and was always ready to watch a good game. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend of over 51 years, Mary Ann (Poggi) Costa; his three devoted sons, Albert D. Costa of Westfield, David R. Costa of Russell and Gary Costa of Ludlow; his 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren; his sister, Sylvia Maher of Albany, NY; his sister-in-law, Jeannette Costa of Chicopee; and his two special nieces, Mary Ann Poggi and her husband, Kurt Langheld, and Lynn Gioranino and her husband, John, all of Southwick. In addition, Al leaves his many nephews, nieces, cousins and extended members of the Costa and Poggi families. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his three brothers, Armand Costa, Nick Costa and Antonio Costa. His funeral will be held on Monday morning, March 16, 2015 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His burial will be at the convenience of his family with US Marine Corps Military Honors at Saint Thomas Cemetery, Kings Highway, West Springfield, MA 01089. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, March 16, 2015 from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. before the Mass. The parking lot is located in the rear of the funeral home. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com