Daniel J. Costa of Acushnet, MA, 85, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He leaves behind his best friend and beloved wife of 62 years, Yvette (Renaud) Costa.
He is one of eleven children born to the late David and Julia Costa. The brother of Sr. Mary Kateri Costa, Julia Pires, Elizabeth Martins, and the late siblings; Dr. David Costa Jr, Elsie Winsper, Albert Costa, Gilbert Costa, Elaine Ferreira, Joseph Costa, and Agnes Guay.
Dan or Danny, as he was known to Family and Friends grew up in New Bedford, MA, where he attended St. Kilian's School, graduated from Holy Family High School, and attended Providence College. He served in the United States Marine Corps and took great pride in the Semper Fi motto. Daniel worked for thirty years as a driver salesman for Continental Baking Company, and served as Union Steward. When his children were young he coached and managed the Acushnet Little League team APCO. He was also CCD principal for Sacred Heart’s Church as well as a Marriage Prep Coach for the Fall River Diocese.
Dan had an immense love for life which came from spending time with his wife and family. His quiet strength and love was an inspiration to all who knew him. He had a knack for repairing almost anything, as it was frequently said, “if Papa can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed". He loved to travel, and in earlier years saw most of the country with his wife, children, and with camper in tow. Daniel enjoyed wintering in Englewood, Florida where he was a regular at the beach. He was proud to have served his country during the Korean War as a loyal Marine. With Providence College being his alma mater, Dan was an avid PC Friars fan and followed the basketball games faithfully. He enjoyed planting in his garden, puttering in his garage, and sharing stories of his family history and the “good old days”. His memory will be honored as a patient, loving man who found pleasure in the simple joys of life.
He is survived by son, Daniel Costa Jr. and wife Colette (Bernier) Costa of East Freetown; daughter, Jo Anne Deslauriers and husband Mark of Acushnet; son, Marc Costa and wife Sharon (Mulvey) Costa of Acushnet; daughter, Lisa Oellerich and husband Robert of Martinez, GA; and daughter, Gina Raffa and husband Steven of Acushnet; grandchildren, Daniel Costa III, David Costa, Jonathan Costa, Brian Costa, Jessica Costa, Marc Costa Jr., Melissa Furtado, Michelle Costa, the late Stephen Costa, Kaiden Costa, Reneé Plante, Dennie-Lynne Nephews, Eric Plante, April Oellerich Patridge, Rhonda Banks, Robert Oellerich III, Ryan Oellerich, Zachary Raffa, Joshua Raffa, and Amanda Raffa. Along with nineteen great-grandchildren.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church Fairhaven, 440 Main St, Fairhaven, MA on Saturday, December 9th, at 10 a.m. with the family receiving guests from 8:45 a.m.until the start of Mass. A celebration of life will follow immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Shepherd’s Pantry, P.O. Box 760 Fairhaven, MA 02719 or St Mary’s Church Fairhaven 41 Harding Rd Fairhaven, 02719.